Somatic Bodywork at Fortis Institute-Scranton

The small sample size here demands caution, but the trajectory is troubling: graduates start at $23,275—a solid first-year outcome that beats 60% of Pennsylvania programs—then see earnings drop 35% by year four to just $15,147. That's roughly $1,260 per month, well below what most consider a living wage, even in Scranton. While the initial $9,500 debt load is manageable relative to that first year, it becomes a heavier burden as earnings decline.

What makes this particularly concerning is the pattern. Most somatic bodywork programs show stable or growing earnings as graduates build their client base and skills. The reverse here suggests graduates may struggle to sustain full-time practice, potentially needing second jobs or leaving the field entirely. With 80% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a financially vulnerable population that can least afford a credential that doesn't deliver lasting earning power.

For a parent considering this certificate: the modest debt is a positive, and your child might enjoy a decent first year building toward something better. But that sharp earnings drop should prompt hard questions about why graduates don't sustain their early momentum and whether this particular program adequately prepares students for long-term success in the field.