Somatic Bodywork at Northwestern Health Sciences University
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Northwestern Health Sciences University's somatic bodywork certificate delivers earnings that outperform 95% of similar programs nationwide—$28,583 versus a national median of just $20,079. That's a $8,500+ premium over typical outcomes, and it's the highest earnings among Minnesota's somatic bodywork programs. The debt load of $19,500 is higher than the national median of $8,792, but the strong first-year earnings keep the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.68.
Within Minnesota, this program stands out even more starkly. While the next-best program (Saint Paul College) produces graduates earning around $21,881, Northwestern's students earn roughly 30% more. The $9,300 debt premium over the state median makes sense when you're gaining access to significantly better earnings outcomes from day one.
The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual experiences could vary considerably. But if these numbers hold, you're looking at one of the few somatic bodywork certificates where graduates can reasonably manage their debt within their first year of income. For a field where most programs leave students earning in the low $20,000s, Northwestern appears to offer genuine differentiation—though that small sample size means you should talk to recent graduates before committing.
Where Northwestern Health Sciences University 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 Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all somatic bodywork certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Somatic Bodywork certificate's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Health Sciences University | $28,583 | — | $19,500 | 0.68 |
| Saint Paul College | $21,881 | $26,868 | — | — |
| Nova Academy of Cosmetology Woodbury | $20,301 | — | $7,388 | 0.36 |
| Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis | $19,427 | $25,981 | $7,266 | 0.37 |
| Lake Superior College | $16,331 | $18,873 | $11,000 | 0.67 |
| National Median | $20,079 | — | $8,792 | 0.44 |
Other Somatic Bodywork Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Paul College Saint Paul | $6,318 | $21,881 | — |
| Nova Academy of Cosmetology Woodbury WOODBURY | — | $20,301 | $7,388 |
| Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis Minneapolis | — | $19,427 | $7,266 |
| Lake Superior College Duluth | $5,786 | $16,331 | $11,000 |
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 Northwestern Health Sciences University, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.