Somatic Bodywork at Columbia College

Columbia College's somatic bodywork certificate delivers extremely low post-graduation earnings—just $17,237 annually, which falls below both Virginia's state median ($22,308) and the national average ($20,079). This places graduates in the bottom quarter of Virginia programs and bottom fifth nationally, earning roughly $10,000 less than students at top Virginia schools like ECPI University or Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage.

The relatively low debt of $4,665 (well below the national median of $8,792) provides some cushion, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27. However, the fundamental issue isn't affordability—it's that graduates aren't reaching the earning potential they'd find elsewhere in Virginia. With 21 programs statewide to choose from, why settle for one that consistently produces below-average outcomes?

For parents of students serious about a bodywork career, this program represents a poor investment despite its lower price tag. The earnings gap compounds over time, meaning graduates will likely earn tens of thousands less over their careers compared to peers at stronger Virginia programs. If your child is committed to this field, investigate why this particular program underperforms its local competitors—and consider whether one of the higher-performing alternatives would better position them for financial success.