MIAMI, Sept. 22, 2026 — Miami Dade College (MDC) has risen to No. 3 among Top Public Schools – Regional Colleges (South) in the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings, climbing from No. 5 last year. MDC also ranks No. 3 among Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Colleges (South).
The College ranked No. 17 for Social Mobility – Regional Colleges (South) and No. 19 (tie) overall among Regional Colleges (South).
“Miami Dade College’s rise reflects our relentless focus on academic excellence, student success and access,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “It is a recognition of the extraordinary work of our faculty and staff and the talent and determination of our students. At MDC, we are creating pathways to opportunity and preparing students to succeed, lead and build stronger futures for themselves, their families and our community.”
The rankings further strengthen MDC’s national profile as a public institution delivering high-quality, accessible education at scale.
“Miami Dade College has long demonstrated what is possible when a public institution combines access, scale and academic quality,” said Michael Bileca, Chair of the MDC District Board of Trustees. “This recognition reinforces MDC’s growing national leadership and the extraordinary impact the College has on its students and community.”
MDC’s No. 3 ranking for Best Colleges for Veterans also reflects its longstanding commitment to veterans and military-connected students. MDC served 1,025 veterans in the data used for the 2027 rankings, the largest number among regional institutions ranked in the category.
“Miami Dade College is a powerful talent and workforce engine for our community,” said Roberto Alonso, Vice Chair of the MDC District Board of Trustees. “MDC prepares thousands of graduates with the skills employers need while creating pathways to economic mobility that strengthen families and our region.”
U.S. News & World Report evaluates colleges and universities using measures of academic quality, student outcomes, social mobility and support for veterans to help students and families identify institutions that meet their educational goals.
MDC’s 2027 recognition builds on the College’s longstanding commitment to accessible, high-quality higher education and pathways to opportunity for students throughout Miami-Dade County and beyond.
About U.S. News & World Report
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About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked #4 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $5 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.