Somatic Bodywork at East West College of the Healing Arts

East West College graduates earn above the national average for somatic bodywork programs, but lag behind what's typical in Oregon. While first-year earnings of $22,734 beat the national median by 13%, they fall $1,500 short of Oregon's state median—placing this program in just the 40th percentile among the state's six bodywork schools. More concerning, earnings actually decline to $20,632 by year four, suggesting graduates may struggle to build sustainable practices or find stable employment as they gain experience.

The financial picture has a silver lining: at $16,728, debt loads here are relatively modest and sit in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with less debt). With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74, graduates should be able to manage payments, though the declining earnings trajectory means budgets will likely tighten rather than loosen over time. The 38% Pell grant rate indicates this serves many lower-income students who may be particularly vulnerable to stagnant income growth.

For Oregon families, the comparison to nearby alternatives matters. Carrington College-Portland graduates earn $26,740 in their first year—17% more than East West—while Sage School matches the state median. If bodywork is the goal, this program won't saddle your child with crushing debt, but it's worth understanding why its outcomes trail other local options before committing.