Cosmetology at American Hair Academy

Starting at just $10,853 a year after graduation, American Hair Academy graduates earn about half what their peers make at other Iowa cosmetology programs—landing in the 10th percentile statewide. While the top Iowa programs produce graduates earning $24,000-$27,000, even the state median of $20,226 is nearly double what this program delivers. The debt burden of $14,205 compounds the problem, exceeding what's typical for Iowa cosmetology programs and creating a concerning debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.31 in the first year.

The 49% earnings growth to $16,125 by year four shows graduates eventually increase their income, but they're still lagging far behind. The academy serves a predominantly lower-income student population (69% receive Pell grants), making these outcomes particularly troubling—students who can least afford to struggle are taking on debt for training that isn't delivering competitive results. The small sample size means these numbers could shift, but the gap between this program and others in Iowa is too wide to ignore.

For families considering cosmetology training in Iowa, this program appears to be a poor investment compared to readily available alternatives. The academy's $14,205 debt load combined with below-market earnings suggests students would be substantially better served by nearly any other Iowa cosmetology school, where typical graduates earn at least 25% more from day one.