Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology (F.I.R.S.T.) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology
Set in Orlando's production-friendly backyard, Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology is known for hands-on learning in audio, music, film, and digital media. Classes lean into practical, project-centered work, with critiques that push students to tighten their craft. Studios, edit suites, and creative labs anchor the campus, while advising, career guidance, and access to industry-standard software help keep projects on track and portfolios sharp.
The vibe is tight-knit and collaborative: crews form quickly, late-night sessions happen, and showcase nights often bring out strong work. Students find community through clubs, jam rooms, pop-up screenings, and gear-talk that spills into nearby coffee spots. Orlando adds a real-world edge, with opportunities tied to live events, theme-park entertainment, production houses, and an active indie scene. Graduates leave with hard-earned reels, contacts made from guest talks and meetups, and a clear sense of how to navigate the creative hustle.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology (F.I.R.S.T.) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Florida. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Arts (2)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0602
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Florida
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Florida Avg | FL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $88,780 | -$13,460 (-13.2%) |
| 27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $114,280 | N/A | N/A |
| 27-4031 | Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $79,870 | $76,430 | -$3,440 (-4.3%) |
| 27-4032 | Film and Video Editors | $83,530 | $67,150 | -$16,380 (-19.6%) |
50.0605
Photography.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Florida
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Florida Avg | FL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $88,780 | -$13,460 (-13.2%) |
| 27-4021 | Photographers | $55,650 | $46,680 | -$8,970 (-16.1%) |
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0203
Recording Arts Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Florida
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Florida Avg | FL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27-2091 | Disc Jockeys, Except Radio | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 27-4011 | Audio and Video Technicians | $61,370 | $57,120 | -$4,250 (-6.9%) |
| 27-4014 | Sound Engineering Technicians | $79,280 | $55,810 | -$23,470 (-29.6%) |
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0801
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Florida
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Florida Avg | FL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-1254 | Web Developers | $98,790 | $96,450 | -$2,340 (-2.4%) |
| 15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $85,100 | -$26,350 (-23.6%) |
| 25-1194 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,710 | $48,660 | -$20,050 (-29.2%) |
| 27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $96,430 | -$13,680 (-12.4%) |
| 27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $62,440 | -$6,170 (-9%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology (F.I.R.S.T.)
What academic programs and degree levels does Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology offer?
Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology (F.I.R.S.T.) offers 5 academic programs across 3 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs).
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (2 programs)
- Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the average salary for Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology graduates?
Florida Institute of Recording Sound and Technology (F.I.R.S.T.) graduates earn a median salary of $32,410 after 6 years.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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