Somatic Bodywork at Centura College-Virginia Beach

At just $14,301 one year after graduation, Centura College's somatic bodywork certificate leaves graduates earning 36% less than Virginia's median for this program and less than half what top state programs deliver. This ranks in the bottom 10% both statewide and nationally—a significant red flag when similar programs at ECPI University and Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage produce nearly double the first-year earnings.

The modest debt of $8,021 offers little consolation when those loan payments must come from a salary below the poverty line. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 isn't catastrophic on paper, that's only because both numbers are so low. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to serve vulnerable populations who can least afford underwhelming outcomes. Even neighboring Fortis College locations deliver $24,718—a 73% earnings premium over Centura for roughly the same debt load.

This is a clear case where the certificate itself won't guarantee adequate returns. If your child is set on this field, other Virginia programs demonstrate it's possible to earn a livable wage. But this particular program's track record suggests graduates struggle to launch viable careers, making it a risky investment even at relatively low cost.