Valencia College vs Miami Dade College (MDC)

Valencia College and Miami Dade College, two prominent institutions in Florida, offer diverse educational opportunities to students. Valencia College, located in Orlando, boasts an acceptance rate of 100%, welcoming students from all backgrounds. Miami Dade College, situated in Miami, has a slightly more selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 58%. Both colleges offer a wide range of programs, with Valencia specializing in healthcare, business, and engineering, while Miami Dade excels in hospitality, culinary arts, and aviation. Valencia's student body is predominantly Hispanic, while Miami Dade's is more diverse, reflecting the vibrant international community of Miami. With graduation rates of 38% and 35% respectively, both colleges are committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more distinctions between these two esteemed institutions and make an informed decision about your educational journey.

	Miami Dade College	Valencia College
Overview
Location	Miami, Florida	Orlando, Florida
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees	$30	$35
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $30,052 Out of state: $36,875	In state: $16,493 Out of state: $23,402
Average net price	$4,211	$14,053
Tuition	In state: $1,987 Out of state: $7,947	In state: $1,984 Out of state: $7,933
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $6,698	68.0% Average amount $6,472
Students receiving federal student loan	2.0% Average amount $5,125	21.0% Average amount $4,897
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	1.0% Average amount $12,006

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	44,002 Men 40.7% Women 59.3%	43,599 Men 39.8% Women 60.2%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	0.9%	2.7%
International students	6.2%	4.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida New York New Jersey California Georgia	Florida New York Illinois New Jersey Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting Computer and Information Science	Liberal Arts Business Computer and Information Science Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	34.7%	46.2%
Dropout rate	52.7%	38.9%
Transferred out	8.8%	11.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $55,472 Year 2: $55,964 Year 3: $66,115 Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $49,136 Year 3: $45,492 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $47,959 Year 2: $39,369 Year 3: $44,836 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,243 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $39,504 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $43,063 Year 2: $54,435 Year 3: $38,626 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $23,150 Year 2: $22,217 Year 3: $29,518 Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $13,957 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $31,824 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,541 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $37,650 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,028 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $73,162 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,471 Year 2: $63,501 Year 3: $61,309 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $56,307 Year 2: $51,482 Year 3: $59,993 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $58,090 Year 2: $55,909 Year 3: $58,830 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $51,276 Year 2: $49,214 Year 3: $57,458 Computer Programming (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $41,021 Year 2: $28,960 Year 3: $51,715 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $34,787 Year 2: $36,852 Year 3: $42,268 Legal Support Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $36,442 Year 2: $35,274 Year 3: $36,816 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $32,319 Year 2: $29,322 Year 3: $35,558 Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $33,687

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Valencia College and Miami Dade College?

Valencia College and Miami Dade College (MDC) are both excellent options for higher education in Florida, but they cater to slightly different student populations and have distinct strengths. Valencia College, primarily serving the Orlando area, is known for its strong focus on student success and directConnect to UCF, guaranteeing admission to the University of Central Florida for eligible graduates. Miami Dade College, on the other hand, is the largest community college in the nation, serving the diverse Miami-Dade County community with a vast array of programs and campuses. MDC offers a wider range of specialized programs and has a stronger emphasis on workforce development in specific industries relevant to the Miami area.
Which college is better for transferring to a four-year university?

Both Valencia College and Miami Dade College have strong transfer programs. Valencia College's directConnect to UCF is a significant advantage for students planning to attend UCF. Miami Dade College also has articulation agreements with numerous universities in Florida and beyond, providing ample transfer opportunities. The 'better' choice depends on your target university. If UCF is your goal, Valencia's directConnect is a clear advantage. Otherwise, both colleges offer robust transfer support and advising.
How do the tuition costs compare between Valencia College and Miami Dade College?

Generally, tuition costs at Valencia College and Miami Dade College are comparable for Florida residents. Both institutions offer affordable tuition rates, making them accessible options for students seeking higher education. However, specific tuition rates can vary based on residency status, program of study, and the number of credit hours taken. It's best to check the official websites of both colleges for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules.
Which college offers a wider range of academic programs?

Miami Dade College, being the larger institution, generally offers a wider range of academic programs compared to Valencia College. MDC has a more extensive selection of associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and vocational training programs, catering to a broader spectrum of career interests. While Valencia College offers a solid selection of programs, MDC's sheer size allows for greater specialization and program diversity.
How do the campus environments differ between Valencia College and Miami Dade College?

Valencia College campuses tend to have a more traditional college feel, with a focus on creating a close-knit community. Miami Dade College, with its multiple campuses spread throughout Miami-Dade County, offers a more diverse and urban campus experience. Each MDC campus has its own unique character and reflects the surrounding community. The 'better' campus environment depends on your personal preference – whether you prefer a smaller, more intimate setting or a larger, more diverse urban environment.
Which college is better for students interested in specific industries like hospitality or healthcare?

Both Valencia College and Miami Dade College offer strong programs in hospitality and healthcare. However, Miami Dade College often has stronger ties to specific industries prevalent in the Miami area, such as international business, hospitality, and tourism. Valencia College also has strong healthcare programs, particularly those aligned with the growing healthcare sector in the Orlando region. Researching the specific program offerings and industry connections at each college is recommended to determine the best fit for your career goals.
What kind of student support services are available at Valencia College and Miami Dade College?

Both Valencia College and Miami Dade College are committed to student success and offer a wide range of support services. These include academic advising, tutoring, career services, disability services, and financial aid assistance. Valencia College is particularly known for its proactive advising and student success initiatives. Miami Dade College also provides comprehensive support services, with resources tailored to its diverse student population. Both colleges strive to create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
How does the location of each college impact student life and opportunities?

Valencia College is located in the Orlando metropolitan area, offering students access to a thriving tourism and entertainment industry, as well as a growing technology sector. Miami Dade College, located in Miami-Dade County, provides students with opportunities in international business, finance, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. The location of each college significantly impacts the types of internships, job opportunities, and cultural experiences available to students. Consider your career interests and desired lifestyle when evaluating the location of each college.
Which college has a stronger focus on online learning?

Both Valencia College and Miami Dade College have invested heavily in online learning and offer a wide range of online courses and programs. Miami Dade College, given its size and reach, may have a slightly more extensive selection of online offerings. However, Valencia College is also recognized for its quality online programs and innovative use of technology in education. Students seeking online learning options should explore the online course catalogs of both colleges to determine which institution best meets their needs.
How do the class sizes compare at Valencia College and Miami Dade College?

Generally, both Valencia College and Miami Dade College strive to maintain reasonable class sizes to promote student engagement and interaction with instructors. While class sizes can vary depending on the course and program, Valencia College may have slightly smaller average class sizes due to its smaller overall student population. However, both colleges are committed to providing a supportive learning environment where students can receive personalized attention.

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