Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Miami Dade College
Associate's Degree
mdc.eduAnalysis
Miami Dade College's Liberal Arts associate degree delivers solid value through low debt rather than high earnings. With just $8,500 in median debt—well below both the national ($10,950) and Florida ($9,250) medians for this program—students graduate with manageable financial obligations despite starting salaries that rank in the 40th percentile nationally and statewide.
The program's strength emerges over time, with earnings jumping 37% from $25,905 in year one to $35,568 by year four. This growth trajectory helps offset the initially modest starting salary, though graduates still trail top Florida programs like Saint Leo University ($41,989) and University of West Florida ($31,140). However, those programs likely carry significantly higher debt loads, making the cost-benefit comparison more favorable for Miami Dade.
For families prioritizing affordability, this program offers a reasonable path forward. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means students can realistically manage loan payments, and the robust sample size (100+ graduates) provides confidence in these outcomes. While your child won't command top wages immediately after graduation, the combination of low debt and solid earnings growth makes this a financially sensible choice for students seeking a broad liberal arts foundation without crushing financial burden.
Where Miami Dade College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Miami Dade College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College | $25,905 | $35,568 | +37% |
| Saint Leo University | $41,989 | $45,328 | +8% |
| Santa Fe College | $25,823 | $40,559 | +57% |
| Hillsborough Community College | $30,406 | $39,453 | +30% |
| Florida SouthWestern State College | $27,740 | $39,129 | +41% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Miami Dade CollegeMiami | $2,838 | $25,905 | $35,568 | $8,500 | 0.33 |
 Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo | $28,360 | $41,989 | $45,328 | $23,687 | 0.56 |
 University of West FloridaPensacola | $6,360 | $31,140 | $37,671 | $15,125 | 0.49 |
 The College of the Florida KeysKey West | $3,279 | $30,933 | $37,364 | $7,285 | 0.24 |
 Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville | $2,878 | $30,678 | $38,095 | $10,909 | 0.36 |
 Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa | $2,506 | $30,406 | $39,453 | $11,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | — | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Miami Dade College, approximately 45% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 2010 graduates with reported earnings and 2182 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.