Education

Talent has consistently been ranked as one of the primary reasons businesses are drawn to Miami, and this success begins with the region’s exceptional educational institutions.

Powering The Talent of the Future

Miami-Dade County is shaping the workforce of tomorrow through its top-ranked schools, cutting-edge university programs, and diverse training opportunities. From a thriving K-12 system to world-class higher education institutions, Miami equips its residents with the skills needed for success in today’s competitive economy. This robust ecosystem ensures a steady pipeline of talent ready to drive innovation and growth.

337,100

K-12 Students

Miami is the third largest school district in the country, with 337,100 K-12 students, and 50,000 adult learners across the district’s 552 schools.

370+

Magnet Programs

Miami-Dade County Public Schools offer more than 370 magnet programs, more than any other U.S. district, specializing in fields such as STEM, the arts, and bilingual education.

200,000

College Student Population

A thriving university community, South Florida is home to over 200,000 students enrolled across higher education institutions, including Miami Dade College, the largest community college in the U.S. with over 50,000 students.

88%

Employment Rate

The employment rate within six months of graduation at the three main university institutions of Miami is two points above national averages (86%).

A Nationally Ranked School System

Miami-Dade County Public Schools exemplify excellence in education, demonstrating a strong commitment to student achievement and success, boasting a 94% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 86%. The district’s commitment to student success is evident in its $8.25 billion budget, which translates to $24,770 spent per pupil, ensuring students receive the resources they need to thrive. This investment reflects the county’s dedication to maintaining a high standard of education, preparing students for future success, and contributing to the region’s highly skilled workforce.

A Global Mosaic of Languages and Cultures

Miami’s rich plurilingual histories are known the world over. Some 75% of people in the county speak a foreign language at a native level; the opposite is true across the US, where 78% of Americans speak only English at home. And though Spanish is the most widespread second language across the city, there are some 104 spoken languages in our community

A Robust Higher Education Ecosystem

Miami-Dade County is home to a variety of renowned higher education institutions that play a key role in developing talent across a broad range of industries. Universities such as the University of Miami (a top 100 national university) and Florida International University (ranked 4th best public university in the country according to the America’s Best Colleges 2024 rankings) lead the way, alongside specialized technical schools. Together, they maintain a 67% graduation rate, four points higher than the national average. The city’s global appeal is reflected in its 40,000+ international students from over 160 countries, enriching the local cultural landscape and strengthening Miami’s role as a global talent hub. These institutions equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in key sectors like finance and technology, ensuring a steady pipeline of highly trained professionals for Miami’s growing economy.

Training Tomorrow's Leaders

Educating the talent of the future, Miami-Dade County’s universities form an exceptional ecosystem that continuously fuels the local economy with a skilled and innovative workforce. Florida International University, The University of Miami, and Miami Dade College consistently rank among the best universities both state-wide and nationally. Alongside Barry University, Florida Memorial University, and St. Thomas University, these institutions form a powerful educational ecosystem that drives talent development and economic growth across the county.

2040 Talent Development Goals

The Academic Leaders Council, composed of the presidents of our major universities and the superintendent of public schools, have come together to set a roadmap for building the most diverse and uniquely skilled workforce in the hemisphere.

We have set a goal for 65% of our working population to have an associate’s degree or higher by 2040.

Prepared by Opportunity Miami, our initiative focuses on shaping our economic future.

How can we help?

Whether you are looking to relocate or expand, we can help. Contact our world-class economic development team to learn more.