Analysis
Miami Dade College's somatic bodywork certificate stands out in a crowded field, with first-year earnings of $28,714 that beat 95% of similar programs nationwide and 80% in Florida—impressive margins in a state with 66 competing programs. While several Florida schools cluster in the low-$24,000 range, this program creates a meaningful earnings gap of roughly $4,000-$5,000 more annually than its nearest competitors.
The $8,925 median debt sits right in the middle nationally but slightly above Florida's median, though the 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross income. For a field where the national median hovers around $20,000, these earnings represent genuine career traction rather than entry-level struggle. The 45% Pell Grant rate suggests this program successfully serves students who need genuine economic mobility, not just a credential.
The main limitation is the moderate sample size, which means results could shift year to year. But for parents considering bodywork programs in Florida, this represents the strongest financial outcome available—not just marginally better, but substantially ahead of the pack. If your child is committed to this field, Miami Dade offers the clearest path to sustainable earnings.
Where Miami Dade College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all somatic bodywork certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Miami Dade College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Somatic Bodywork certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (66 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Miami Dade CollegeMiami | $2,838 | $28,714 | — | $8,925 | 0.31 |
 Lee Professional InstituteFort Myers | — | $24,586 | — | — | — |
 Daytona CollegeOrmond Beach | — | $24,286 | $17,719 | $9,048 | 0.37 |
 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 Miami Dade College, approximately 45% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.