Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians at Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology

This short certificate program from Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology produces the weakest immediate outcomes in the state—landing in just the 25th percentile among Florida's 14 audiovisual programs. That first-year figure of $17,311 is barely above minimum wage and sits 18% below the state median. The good news? Earnings nearly double by year four, reaching $28,608, which suggests graduates eventually gain marketable skills even if entry positions don't pay well.

The debt load of $7,853 is reasonable and notably lower than both state and national medians, which matters given that 63% of students receive Pell grants. The 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face about half a year's salary in debt—manageable if they can weather those lean first years. Still, students should know that Full Sail University graduates in the same field earn $24,862 right away, 44% more than this program delivers initially.

For families who can afford to support a graduate through a couple of years of low earnings while they build experience, this presents a low-debt path into the audiovisual field. But students who need immediate income to service debt or support themselves should look elsewhere—the initial earning power simply isn't there, even if the trajectory improves later.