Is A Massage Table Required For School?
The information below, based on the NC Massage School Catalog and last updated in January 2026, may be subject to change. Students should confirm current costs and requirements with the school before enrolling.
One of the main reasons people hesitate to enroll in massage school isn’t doubt about the career, but uncertainty about details like what to buy and the total cost.
The list of additional costs beyond tuition is simple. You’ll need to consider books, a technology fee, basic supplies such as lotion and linens, and there’s also an optional massage table. That’s everything!
This guide is to clear up any uncertainties. Here, you’ll find an honest massage school supplies checklist along with a total cost estimate, all based directly on the NC Massage School catalog.
Massage School Supplies You Should Budget For
The easiest way to plan for massage school is to focus on what the catalog actually lists, since those are the costs you can count on. Once you understand those core items, everything else falls into place, and the budget becomes far less intimidating.
Here’s what students should realistically expect to budget for:
- Textbooks: The catalog lists books at $650, giving you a clear number for massage school textbook cost without worrying about surprise materials later.
- Technology Fee: A $180 technology fee is due on the first day of class, though it is waived if you choose the pay-in-full tuition option.
- Basic Supplies: Lotion or oil and linens are listed as required supplies, with an estimated market cost of $50–$100 for the program.
- Massage Table (Optional): A massage table is not required and is listed as optional, with a typical market price range of $550–$875 for students who choose to purchase one.
- Practical Essentials: comfortable, movable clothing, note-taking tools, a water bottle, and organization supplies.
Massage School Textbook Cost
The $650 book cost listed in the catalog gives students a clear number to plan around. While the catalog doesn’t break down individual titles in the tuition table itself, this figure reflects the educational materials required for the program.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to see the exact book list early (and many students do), admissions can walk you through what’s included and when materials are ordered. The key takeaway is that the catalog already accounts for books as a known expense, not a vague add-on.
Is A Massage Table Required For School?
According to the catalog, a massage table is not required. It’s listed as optional, with an estimated cost range of $550 to $875.
So why do some students choose to buy one?
Having a table at home can make it easier to practice outside of class. It’s also a long-term investment if you plan to work in mobile massage, start your own practice, or need a table soon after graduation.
That said, if you’re trying to keep your initial costs lower, it’s perfectly reasonable to wait. The catalog’s language is intentional; a massage table is optional, not mandatory.
Tuition And Fees
Now let’s zoom out and look at the full financial picture using only catalog-listed numbers.
The catalog lists the total tuition expense at $9,590, along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.
If you do not purchase a massage table, your estimated total investment is roughly $10,495 to $10,545. This range accounts for the variation in basic supply costs.
If you choose to purchase the optional massage table, the estimated total increases to approximately $11,045 to $11,420, depending on the table you select.
How Paying In Full Changes The Total
For students who want to minimize fees and keep things simple, the catalog includes a pay-in-full tuition option. Paying tuition in full at least two weeks before classes begin unlocks a small discount and removes one additional fee, which can slightly lower your overall cost.
Here’s how the pay-in-full option affects your total and payment timing:
- A $300 tuition discount is applied when tuition is paid in full at least two weeks before the program start date.
- $180 technology fee is waived, reducing upfront costs compared to standard payment plans.
- Estimated total without a massage table: approximately $10,015–$10,065, based on catalog-listed costs.
- Estimated total with the optional massage table: approximately $10,565–$10,940, depending on the table you choose.
- Payment timing still matters: a $1,200 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance, a $1,500 down payment is due four weeks before the program begins, and the remaining tuition balance must be paid on or before the first day of class.
Financing Options
For students who prefer monthly payments, the catalog describes an in-house financing option that spreads tuition over time, with a 9.9% APR financing fee, and sample payment terms ranging from 6 to 24 months.
Even when you’re financing your tuition, it’s a good idea to set aside money for non-tuition items like books, supplies, and optional equipment. Those costs will still be there, but knowing about them in advance makes them easier to handle.
Clear Numbers Reduce Stress
The NC Massage School catalog provides clear, upfront numbers that allow you to answer that question honestly. There are no hidden supply lists, no surprise equipment requirements, and no pressure to buy everything at once.
If you want help walking through your personal budget, understanding payment timing, or deciding whether optional items like a massage table make sense for your situation, contact NC Massage School. A quick conversation can turn a big decision into a clear, confident next step.
