Making the decision to attend massage school is an important one that will shape your future and your career. An important consideration when contemplating massage school is how much money it will cost for you to receive the training and education. According to Martin Ashley, author of the book Massage: A Career at Your Fingertips, the average range of tuition at massage schools is anywhere from $6 to $17 per hour of instruction with most schools averaging around $9 or $10 per hour. If you consider that most quality programs are a minimum of 500 hours, you can expect to pay at least $4,500 to $5,000 in tuition alone, with some programs going upwards to the $10,000 range. Private massage schools are typically more expensive, but may also be faster programs that sometimes come with prestigious reputations. Community colleges may cost less and may offer both full and part-time options which will allow you to select the pace better suited for you.

In addition to tuition, there are other factors you must consider when planning the expenses of attending massage school. Many schools do not include other expenses in the cost of tuition and you may be expected to pay additionally for textbooks, massage tables and chairs, professional shirts or uniforms, linens and massage oils used during class, and personal supplies such as oil holsters and bolsters. Additionally, you will likely be required to become certified in CPR and first aid, and the cost of the classes is often at your own expense.

After graduation, you may need to take examinations for licensing and state or national certification, and you can expect to pay those fees as well. And finally, you will need to think about lost wages and living expenses while you are in school. If you plan to go to school full-time, you will need to have some way to pay for rent, food, transportation, and any other living expenses while you are not working. If you are going to school part-time, then you will need to consider living on less wages and balancing the time between work and school. You may also need to have some money set aside for establishing yourself in a business if you plan to go out on your own. Expenses such as rent for a space, supplies, business cards, and advertising may be necessary for your new business.

Taking the time to consider whether massage school is right for you is important when looking at the cost involved. The amount of money and time you will devote to your education is an investment not to be taken lightly. For many students, financial aid is an option to help with the cost of massage school. And of course, when you complete your education, you will be properly trained for a profession in which you can support yourself, making the investment well worth it all.

Top Massage Therapy Programs

	U.S. Career Institute - At the U.S. Career Institute, students will be taught alternative health treatments to assist people in feeling better. With a number of organizations hiring in various positions, don't pass up this opportunity to go back to school and start a great career.
	Boca Beauty Academy of Massage - If you're interested in becoming a massage therapist, Boca Beauty Academy of Massage offers a fantastic program for students interested in this growing industry.
Cincinnati Cleveland	Center for Massage & Natural Health - The Center for Massage & Natural Health assists students in reaching their goal of becoming a massage therapist affordably and conveniently.
Boston Tampa Scottsdale	Cortiva Institute for Massage - Cortiva Institute for Massage prepares aspiring massage therapists with a rigorous program in the field of massage therapy. With locations available across the country, students can get prepared quickly.