Cosmetology at Academy of Cosmetology Inc

Academy of Cosmetology delivers first-year earnings of $21,876—nearly $2,200 above the Montana median and 28% higher than the national benchmark for cosmetology programs. That 91st percentile national ranking matters for a technical credential where most graduates earn around $17,000 their first year. The relatively modest $7,715 debt load means graduates enter the workforce with manageable repayment obligations, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes it harder to know if these outcomes are consistent year over year.

Within Montana, this program sits in the middle of the pack despite its strong national showing. Montana Academy of Salons posts slightly higher earnings, while Butte Academy charges significantly less for comparable preparation. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 translates to roughly four months of gross income to cover the full loan amount—reasonable for a program that gets graduates working quickly in a field with flexible scheduling options.

For families evaluating cosmetology training in Montana, this program demonstrates that graduates can earn a livable starting wage while avoiding the crushing debt loads common at for-profit beauty schools. The key question is whether the additional cost over Butte Academy justifies the higher earnings potential, particularly since cosmetology income often depends more on location, clientele, and individual hustle than program reputation.