Somatic Bodywork at New York Institute of Massage Inc

The New York Institute of Massage delivers what massage therapy programs should: relatively strong earnings with manageable debt. Graduates earn $22,476 in their first year—above the national median of $20,079 and ranking in the 70th percentile nationally. More importantly, they're borrowing just $12,113 to get there, meaning the debt load is modest enough to handle on an entry-level bodywork salary.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 works in graduates' favor here. With monthly loan payments likely under $140 on a standard plan, that's feasible even on the modest incomes typical in this field. The school serves a majority low-income population (57% receive Pell grants), yet manages to keep borrowing well below what many massage programs charge—this program ranks in just the 6th percentile nationally for debt, meaning 94% of similar programs leave students with more to repay.

For families considering this certificate, understand that massage therapy isn't a path to high earnings, but this program offers a reasonable entry point into the field. The combination of below-average debt and above-average first-year outcomes makes it a functional choice for students committed to bodywork careers, particularly those who might struggle with the costs at pricier alternatives.