Somatic Bodywork at Dorsey College

Dorsey College's somatic bodywork certificate produces earnings barely above minimum wage—around $17,000 whether you measure one year out or four years later. While the debt load of $11,661 is relatively modest, you're asking students to borrow nearly 70% of their first year's income for credentials that appear to lead nowhere financially.

Among Michigan's 10 programs, this ranks squarely in the middle—40th percentile—but that's little comfort when the state's top program (Irene's Myomassology Institute) produces graduates earning $20,000. Nationally, Dorsey ranks in just the 17th percentile, trailing most comparable programs by $3,000 to $6,000 annually. The complete absence of earnings growth over four years suggests graduates aren't building toward better-paying opportunities; they're stuck at entry-level wages. For context, Lakewood School of Therapeutic Massage graduates earn about $7,600 at year one—less than half of Dorsey's figure—but accumulate far less debt in the process.

The high Pell grant rate (61%) indicates this program serves many low-income students who can least afford a credential that doesn't improve their earning power. Unless your child has a guaranteed job lined up or plans to immediately start their own practice, this certificate represents a questionable return on both tuition dollars and time invested.