At $58,490/yr net price, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduates earn $29,544/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $58,490 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $233,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,544/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,456/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $58,513/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $58,340/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems. | Certificate | $21,166 | $7,917 |
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems. | Associate | $21,117 | $16,000 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $20,783 | $7,917 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $16,663 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
68.6% of students at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. With a net price of $58,490 annually and median graduate earnings of just $29,544 ten years after completion, you're looking at negative ROI that may never recover.
The earnings data reveals troubling patterns across all programs. Alternative and complementary medicine graduates earn around $21,000 annually, while cosmetology graduates make $20,783. Even the highest-earning programs generate salaries well below what you'd need to comfortably service educational debt. Somatic bodywork shows the weakest returns at $16,663 annually.
The debt burden appears manageable at first glance with a median of $9,500, but this becomes problematic when paired with such low earning potential. You'll struggle to achieve positive cash flow when your annual earnings barely exceed half of what you paid for your education.
This school makes financial sense only if you have specific career goals in alternative healing that require formal certification and you can pay without borrowing. The 68.6% graduation rate suggests completion challenges that add financial risk.
Consider this investment only if you view it as personal enrichment rather than career preparation, or if you already have established income streams and want to add complementary skills. For career changers seeking financial improvement or recent high school graduates, the numbers don't support enrollment. You'd likely achieve better financial outcomes through community college programs in healthcare support or business fields that offer higher earning potential at lower cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest Institute of Healing Arts worth the cost?
With graduates earning $29,544 annually after paying $58,490 per year, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts has poor financial returns. The earnings-to-cost ratio makes this investment financially risky for most students.
What are the best paying programs at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts?
Alternative and Complementary Medicine programs at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts lead to starting salaries around $21,000. Even the highest-paying programs produce modest incomes that may not justify the high tuition costs.
How much debt do Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduates have?
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduates have a median debt of $9,500, which is relatively low compared to the school's high annual costs. This suggests many students pay out of pocket or use alternative funding sources.
What is the graduation rate at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts?
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts has a 68.6% graduation rate. While this completion rate is decent, graduates face significant financial challenges with low post-graduation earnings relative to program costs.