Cosmetology at Academy of Massage and Bodywork

At under $6,400 in debt, this program carries one of the lowest debt burdens you'll find in cosmetology education—well below both the state median of $9,489 and the national median of $9,862. That's the good news. The challenge is that graduates earn around $18,200 annually, which ranks below the Delaware state median of $19,099 and shows essentially flat earnings four years out. Among Delaware's six cosmetology programs, this falls in the middle tier—trailing Hair Academy School of Barbering & Beauty's $25,000 median by a significant margin, but outperforming Dawn Career Institute.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means graduates owe roughly four months of income, which is manageable for someone entering the beauty industry. However, the lack of earnings growth over four years suggests limited career advancement or business development among graduates. In cosmetology, experienced professionals often build clientele or move into higher-paying salon positions over time—flat earnings here could indicate challenges in those progressions.

For a parent evaluating this investment, the minimal debt load makes this a relatively low-risk credential. Your child won't be saddled with crushing payments while building their career. But be realistic about income expectations: this is an $18,000-per-year starting point that may not climb much higher. If your child has aspirations to own a salon or build a premium client base, they'll need ambition and business savvy beyond what the certificate alone provides.