Analysis
Daytona College's somatic bodywork certificate starts strong—first-year earnings of $24,286 rank in the 84th percentile nationally and beat the state median by roughly $3,000. The $9,048 debt load is manageable, requiring just 37% of first-year income to repay. For students entering a hands-on healing field, these initial numbers suggest solid preparation.
The concern emerges in year four, when median earnings drop to $17,719—a 27% decline that falls well below both state and national averages. This backward trajectory could reflect graduates transitioning out of bodywork entirely, struggling to build sustainable practices, or taking time off for family reasons. Among Florida's bodywork programs, Daytona ranks in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, with several in-state alternatives showing stronger outcomes.
Given the small sample size here, these numbers may not represent a typical graduate's experience. For families comfortable with that uncertainty, the low debt and strong initial placement make this worth considering—particularly if your student has a clear plan for building a client base or integrating bodywork into another wellness career. Just understand that maintaining income in this field requires entrepreneurial hustle that not all graduates sustain.
Where Daytona College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all somatic bodywork certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Daytona College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytona College | $24,286 | $17,719 | -27% |
| Boca Beauty Academy-Parkland | $22,426 | $34,649 | +55% |
| Boca Beauty Academy | $22,426 | $34,649 | +55% |
| Marion Technical College | $15,779 | $32,337 | +105% |
| Palm Beach State College | $24,097 | $31,996 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Somatic Bodywork certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (66 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Daytona CollegeOrmond Beach | — | $24,286 | $17,719 | $9,048 | 0.37 |
 Miami Dade CollegeMiami | $2,838 | $28,714 | — | $8,925 | 0.31 |
 Lee Professional InstituteFort Myers | — | $24,586 | — | — | — |
 Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth | $3,050 | $24,097 | $31,996 | — | — |
 Cortiva InstituteSt. Petersburg | — | $23,843 | $24,495 | $7,917 | 0.33 |
 Aveda Institute-Fort MyersFort Myers | — | $23,316 | $18,910 | $7,899 | 0.34 |
| National Median | — | $20,079 | — | $8,792 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with somatic bodywork graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Daytona College, approximately 58% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.