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Miami Dade College vs Barry University: which has better ROI?

Public, Miami FL · vs · Private nonprofit, Miami FL

The verdict

Barry University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $90,452 in 11.9 years versus not at all at Miami Dade College, on median earnings of $55,966 vs $40,654 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMiami Dade CollegeBarry University
Net price / yr$5,463$22,613
Total net cost$21,852$90,452
Median earnings, 10 yrs$40,654$55,966
Median debt$9,252$26,997
Payback11.9 yrs
20-year net return-$175,972$61,668

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Miami Dade College or Barry University?

Miami Dade College, at $5,463 a year after aid versus $22,613 — a gap of $17,150 a year, or $68,600 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Miami Dade College or Barry University graduates earn more?

Barry University graduates report a median $55,966 ten years after entry, $15,312 more than the $40,654 at Miami Dade College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Miami Dade College or Barry University?

Miami Dade College: its completers carry a median $9,252 in federal loans versus $26,997 at Barry University, a difference of $17,745. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

46% of students finish at Miami Dade College, against 38% at Barry University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Miami Dade College vs Barry University: frequently asked questions

Is Miami Dade College or Barry University a better value?
Barry University. It clears its $90,452 net cost in about 11.9 years versus no clear payback at Miami Dade College, on median earnings of $55,966 vs $40,654 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Miami Dade College or Barry University?
Miami Dade College: $5,463/yr net price after aid versus $22,613/yr at Barry University — a difference of $17,150 a year, or about $68,600 over four years.
Do Miami Dade College or Barry University graduates earn more?
Barry University graduates earn a median $55,966 ten years after entry, versus $40,654 at Miami Dade College — a $15,312 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.