MDC vs. Polytechnic University

Comparable Facts

Compare Miami Dade College in Miami, FL with Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando in Orlando, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Miami Dade College is larger than Polytechnic University based on total student enrollment (58,941 students vs. 127 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Miami Dade College is located in Miami, FL (Large City setting); Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando is in Orlando, FL (Large Suburban setting).
• Miami Dade College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Miami Dade College 22:1; Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando 5:1.

MDC vs. Polytechnic University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MDC or Polytechnic University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Miami Dade College than Polytechnic University ($5,766 vs. $16,577).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando are 53.1% lower than at Miami Dade College ($12,781 vs. $27,262).
• Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando is 412.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than MDC (about $11,709 more per year; $14,547.00 vs. $2,838.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.6% higher at Polytechnic University than at Miami Dade College (about $4,886 more per year; $14,547.00 vs. $9,661.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Miami Dade College than at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando (86% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Miami Dade College students is 12.2% larger than aid received by Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Orlando students ($7,216 vs. $6,434).

MDC vs. Polytechnic University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MDC or Polytechnic University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Polytechnic University and MDC.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MDC - Open admission; Polytechnic University - Open admission.

MDC vs. Polytechnic University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MDC and Polytechnic University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Miami Dade College earn a median of about $500 more per year than Polytechnic University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,100 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Miami Dade College graduates have a $10,797 lower median loan debt than Polytechnic University graduates ($8,703 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, MDC graduates have an estimated $112 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Polytechnic University graduates ($89 vs. $201).
• More Polytechnic University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MDC students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 41%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.