Somatic Bodywork at Fortis College-Richmond

Fortis College-Richmond graduates with this certificate earn more than 87% of somatic bodywork programs nationwide—but within Virginia, the program lands closer to the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. First-year earnings of $24,718 beat the national median by over $4,600, yet nearby competitors like ECPI and Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage place graduates earning $3,000+ more. The debt load of $9,556 is reasonable compared to national norms, though it's slightly above Virginia's typical $7,968.

The more concerning pattern is the earnings trajectory: graduates see incomes drop 7% by year four, from $24,718 to $22,877. In bodywork fields, this decline might reflect the physical demands of the profession or challenges in building a sustainable client base. With 71% of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves a predominantly lower-income population for whom even this modest debt could feel significant if earnings don't stabilize.

For Virginia families, this certificate offers solid national standing but middle-tier performance within the state. If your child is committed to massage therapy and location-bound to Richmond, the sub-$10,000 debt makes this workable. However, if they can access programs in Northern Virginia or Norfolk, those appear to offer better long-term earning potential at comparable or lower cost.