Somatic Bodywork at Artistic Nails and Beauty Academy-Tampa

The numbers here tell a disappointing story, though the small graduating class means we should treat them cautiously. Graduates from this program earn below what they'd make at most other Florida massage therapy schools—about $2,100 less than the state median and roughly $9,700 less than Miami Dade College's program. Ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide suggests this isn't purely a sampling fluke; students at comparable institutions across Florida are finding better-paying opportunities.

The debt burden, while modest in absolute terms at $10,982, still represents more than half a year's earnings for typical graduates. That's actually manageable compared to some programs, but when entry-level earnings barely clear $19,000 annually, every dollar of debt matters more. The bigger issue is that these wages don't leave much room for loan payments, rent, and living expenses—especially in Tampa's increasingly expensive market.

If your child is set on bodywork training in Florida, the data suggests looking elsewhere. Multiple schools in the state deliver significantly better outcomes for similar or lower debt. Unless there's a compelling reason specific to this Tampa location, programs at Miami Dade or even Cortiva Institute would likely provide more financial stability post-graduation. For a certificate program where technical skill is paramount, choosing the school with the strongest placement outcomes makes financial sense.