Cosmetology at Advanced College of Cosmetology

Cosmetology graduates from Advanced College of Cosmetology face a puzzling contradiction: they earn significantly more than the national median ($21,100 vs. $17,113), yet lag behind most Wisconsin programs. With 30 cosmetology schools across the state, this program sits at just the 40th percentile—meaning graduates earn less than 60% of comparable Wisconsin programs. The state's top performers, like Waukesha County Technical College ($27,049), produce graduates earning nearly $6,000 more annually.

The $11,420 in typical debt is manageable compared to many career programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 that suggests graduates can reasonably handle their loans. Half the students receive Pell grants, indicating this serves a working-class population for whom cosmetology represents accessible career training. However, the small graduating class (under 30) makes these figures less reliable—a few graduates earning significantly more or less could dramatically shift the median.

For a Wisconsin family, the question is straightforward: why choose a program in the 40th percentile when higher-earning alternatives exist across the state? The $4,500 earnings gap compared to Wisconsin's median adds up to $45,000 over a decade. Unless location in Waupun offers unique advantages—lower living costs, family proximity, or specific job connections—families should explore the state's stronger-performing programs first.