Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,129
28th percentile (40th in NC)
Median Debt
$9,273
5% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.51
Manageable
Sample Size
403
Adequate data

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

Miller-Motte College-WilmingtonOther somatic bodywork programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington$18,129$21,401$9,2730.51
Gwinnett College$23,077$20,132$11,7590.51
Southeastern College-Charlotte$18,788$21,612$13,0000.69
College of Wilmington$18,705$14,3110.77
Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville$18,129$21,401$9,2730.51
Center for Massage$15,452$18,522$6,3330.41
National Median$20,079$8,7920.44

Other Somatic Bodywork Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.