Somatic Bodywork at Universal College of Healing Arts

This program dramatically outperforms most somatic bodywork certificates nationally—graduating students earn $26,005 in the first year compared to the $20,079 national median, placing it in the 95th percentile. However, Nebraska has only two schools offering this certificate, making state comparisons less meaningful. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their income drop 12% by year four, falling to $22,869. This backward slide is unusual for any credential and suggests either market saturation issues or challenges with sustaining a bodywork practice over time.

The debt picture offers a bright spot. At $16,168, graduates carry notably less than what many certificate programs require, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62—manageable territory if income holds steady. The challenge is that income *doesn't* hold steady here. With over half the student body receiving Pell grants, most attendees are using this certificate as an economic mobility tool, making that earnings decline particularly problematic.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. If you're considering this program, dig into why earnings might fall over time—is it about building a sustainable client base, or are graduates shifting to different work? For families banking on this as workforce preparation, the strong starting salary matters less than figuring out whether the four-year earnings drop is anomaly or pattern.