Cosmetology at Aesthetic Science Institute

Aesthetic Science Institute manages something rare in cosmetology education: graduates who earn substantially more than peers while borrowing considerably less. With first-year earnings of $22,638, this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within New York—putting it among the top-performing cosmetology programs in a state with 46 options. Meanwhile, the $6,333 median debt sits well below both the state median ($9,226) and national median ($9,862), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28 that graduates can reasonably manage on an entry-level beauty industry salary.

The earnings trajectory here looks sustainable rather than dramatic: an 11% increase from year one to year four suggests graduates are building stable careers, not experiencing the rapid burnout common in commission-based beauty work. At $25,225 by year four, these aren't life-changing salaries, but they compare favorably to what most cosmetology certificate holders achieve. The 40% Pell grant rate indicates this program serves students who need affordable pathways into the workforce—and actually delivers on that promise.

For parents evaluating trade school options near Albany, this represents solid value. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and join one of the better-earning cohorts in the state's cosmetology field. The financial risk here is minimal compared to most certificate programs, where debt often exceeds first-year earnings by a significant margin.