Affordable Degrees for Miami Educators

Rising tuition and student debt can make pursuing your career goals feel impossible, but American College of Education (ACE) tells a different story. We offer career-centered degree programs at industry-low costs that allow 87% of our students to graduate without student debt.1

The 10-month educator salary increases at Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS):2

$3,410

with a master’s degree

$5,665

with a specialist degree

$7,920

with a doctoral degree

Why Educators Choose ACE

  • Affordable: Most master’s degrees under $10,0003 and doctoral degrees under $25,0003 
  • Valuable: For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings4 
  • Flexible: Fully online,5 asynchronous courses designed for busy educators 
  • Relevant: Curriculum developed by education experts and practitioners 
  • Quality: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) 
UPCOMING START DATES
September 14, 2026
Applications due
September 11, 2026
October 05, 2026
Applications due
October 02, 2026
November 16, 2026
Applications due
November 13, 2026

ACE vs. Institutions in Miami

We’ve compiled a quick look at ACE next to institutions in the Miami area.


InstitutionACE Florida International University St. Thomas University Barry University Nova Southeastern University University of Miami 
Course Delivery Fully online courses5 Some online options Few online options Few online options Few online options Some online options 
Cost (master’s) Most under $10,000(total program cost) $11,334 (average annual in-state cost) $12,440 (average annual cost) $19,650 (average annual cost) $24,830 (average annual cost) $46,870 (average annual cost) 

CollegeTuitionCompare: Florida International UniversitySt. Thomas UniversityBarry UniversityNova Southeastern UniversityUniversity of Miami. Competitor pricing reflects in-state tuition for public schools and annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown. Accessed July 22, 2026. 

Become an Educator in Miami

Want to teach in Miami? ACE offers pathways for aspiring educators to lead a classroom, no matter where you are in your career journey.

Have an associate degree?

We can review your credits and apply eligible courses toward a bachelor’s completion program.

Have a bachelor’s degree?

We offer initial licensure programs to get you ready for teaching in areas including elementary, secondary and special education.

ACE Alumni in Florida

Ivin Gunder

Ivin Gunder

Principal | Jacksonville, Fla. | M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

“I was a classroom teacher for 12 years, and then my principal told me he thought I would be a great administrator. A colleague of mine said they found this tremendous, affordable college online that they thought would be great for me to start my master’s program. The discipline in my coursework at ACE helped me build intentionality around the relationships and work that I do daily. I was fortunate to influence 100 or so students a year in the classroom. Now, I can help influence over 2,000 yearly.”

Dr. Belinda Reyes

Dr. Belinda Reyes

CEO and Adjunct Professor | Orlando, Fla. | Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

“Years ago, I placed my dream of earning a terminal degree on hold, as traditional universities could not accommodate my dual demands as a mother of a young child and district leader. ACE made that dream a reality through a flexible, rigorous online program that honored both my career goals and my personal life. Thanks to ACE, I have earned promotions and recognition, but most importantly, the opportunity to serve as a role model and change agent for underserved communities.”

Potential for More Savings

ACE’s tuition is designed to be affordable from the start, without relying on temporary promotions, limited-time discounts or federal funding. However, there may be opportunities for your program to cost even less. 

ACE Partnership Benefits

MDCPS partners with ACE to create accessible pathways to your career growth.

5%

MDCPS employees get a 5% tuition reduction toward any ACE program.

Advance Your Education Career in Miami

Miami’s education instruction and library occupations sector is growing by 4.67% as of 2024.6 This means that pursuing a degree not only supports your career goals but your community’s growing education landscape. 

1Internal research completed in November 2025 

2Miami-Dade County Public Schools 2025-26 Official Salary Handbook 

3This is an estimated value of the cost of tuition and fees. Actual amounts may vary depending on the number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, the receipt of scholarship or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law. 

4Lightcast Study 

5Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements. 

6Data USA: Miami, FL. Accessed July 21, 2026. 

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