Somatic Bodywork at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
This somatic bodywork certificate produces graduates earning slightly below national averages but performs reasonably well within North Carolina's competitive landscape. At $18,129 in first-year earnings, Miller-Motte Wilmington falls in the 28th percentile nationally but climbs to the 40th percentile among North Carolina programs—a meaningful distinction since most students will work locally after graduation. The modest debt load of $9,273 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, well below concerning levels.
The 18% earnings growth over four years suggests this field offers some upward mobility, with graduates reaching $21,401 by their fourth year. Within North Carolina, this program sits in the middle tier, earning nearly identical amounts to Miller-Motte's Fayetteville campus and trailing the state leader (Gwinnett College) by about $5,000 annually. The debt burden runs slightly below both state and national medians, which helps offset the lower starting salaries.
For families considering this certificate, the numbers point to a practical career training option rather than a high-earning pathway. The combination of reasonable debt and steady earnings growth makes this viable for students seeking entry into the wellness field, though families should understand they're investing in a service-oriented profession with modest income expectations. Given the 65% Pell grant recipient rate, this program clearly serves students from lower-income backgrounds seeking accessible career training.
Where Miller-Motte College-Wilmington Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all somatic bodywork certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Miller-Motte College-Wilmington graduates compare to all programs nationally
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington graduates earn $18k, placing them in the 28th percentile of all somatic bodywork certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Somatic Bodywork certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miller-Motte College-Wilmington | $18,129 | $21,401 | $9,273 | 0.51 |
| Gwinnett College | $23,077 | $20,132 | $11,759 | 0.51 |
| Southeastern College-Charlotte | $18,788 | $21,612 | $13,000 | 0.69 |
| College of Wilmington | $18,705 | — | $14,311 | 0.77 |
| Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville | $18,129 | $21,401 | $9,273 | 0.51 |
| Center for Massage | $15,452 | $18,522 | $6,333 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $20,079 | — | $8,792 | 0.44 |
Other Somatic Bodywork Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gwinnett College Raleigh | — | $23,077 | $11,759 |
| Southeastern College-Charlotte Charlotte | $24,184 | $18,788 | $13,000 |
| College of Wilmington Wilmington | — | $18,705 | $14,311 |
| Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville Fayetteville | — | $18,129 | $9,273 |
| Center for Massage Asheville | — | $15,452 | $6,333 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Miller-Motte College-Wilmington, approximately 65% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.