Somatic Bodywork at Northwest Career College

Northwest Career College's bodywork certificate delivers exactly median earnings for Nevada at $19,242, but graduates carry about 20% more debt than the typical Nevada student in this field. That debt figure of $9,500 sits at the 25th percentile nationally—meaning 75% of similar programs across the country saddle students with more—so the borrowing level itself isn't alarming. The real question is whether these earnings justify even modest debt.

The first-year salary translates to roughly $9-10 per hour, well below what's needed to comfortably service loans and cover living expenses in Las Vegas. Milan Institute-Sparks shows bodywork grads can earn $22,774 in Nevada, suggesting location or training quality matters significantly in this field. With 80% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a vulnerable population for whom an extra $1,500 in debt beyond the state average could prove consequential.

The 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but when base earnings sit this low, there's little cushion for unexpected expenses or delayed career establishment. If your child is committed to bodywork, ensure they have a clear path to building a client base quickly or securing employment at an established practice. The debt load won't sink them, but the earning potential requires immediate, strategic career planning to make the investment worthwhile.