Cosmetology at Academy of Beauty Professionals

Academy of Beauty Professionals delivers earnings that beat the national average but fall short within Wisconsin's competitive cosmetology market. While graduates earn $18,729 in their first year—outpacing 64% of cosmetology programs nationally—they rank in just the 40th percentile among Wisconsin schools, earning roughly $3,000 less than the state median. Several nearby programs, including Waukesha County Technical College and Aveda Institute-Madison, produce graduates earning $25,000+, suggesting location and program structure significantly impact outcomes.

The debt picture is manageable at $9,962, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that most graduates can handle. Earnings grow modestly to $19,708 by year four, though this still lags behind what the stronger Wisconsin programs deliver in year one. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants, this school serves a population for whom even modest debt matters considerably.

For families committed to cosmetology training in Madison, this program won't saddle graduates with crushing debt, but it's worth comparing closely to nearby options. The $6,000 earnings gap between this school and top Wisconsin programs compounds significantly over a career. If your child can access one of the higher-performing programs—whether through proximity or relocation—that investment typically pays for itself within the first year of working.