Somatic Bodywork at Daytona College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Daytona College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Daytona College graduates earn $24k, placing them in the 84th percentile of all somatic bodywork certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Somatic Bodywork certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (66 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daytona College | $24,286 | $17,719 | $9,048 | 0.37 |
| Miami Dade College | $28,714 | — | $8,925 | 0.31 |
| Lee Professional Institute | $24,586 | — | — | — |
| Palm Beach State College | $24,097 | $31,996 | — | — |
| Cortiva Institute | $23,843 | $24,495 | $7,917 | 0.33 |
| Aveda Institute-Fort Myers | $23,316 | $18,910 | $7,899 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $20,079 | — | $8,792 | 0.44 |
Other Somatic Bodywork Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College Miami | $2,838 | $28,714 | $8,925 |
| Lee Professional Institute Fort Myers | — | $24,586 | — |
| Palm Beach State College Lake Worth | $3,050 | $24,097 | — |
| Cortiva Institute St. Petersburg | — | $23,843 | $7,917 |
| Aveda Institute-Fort Myers Fort Myers | — | $23,316 | $7,899 |
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.