Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,528
62nd percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$10,666
8% above national median

Analysis

Arrojo Cosmetology School produces graduates who earn $25,400 four years out—a significant 37% jump from their first-year earnings of $18,528. While that starting salary sits modestly above New York's median for cosmetology programs (60th percentile), what makes this program notable is the upward trajectory paired with relatively manageable debt of $10,666. In a field where many schools leave students with similar debt but stagnant earnings, Arrojo's graduates appear to build momentum over time.

That said, the gap between Arrojo and New York's highest-earning programs is substantial—top schools like Aesthetic Science Institute see graduates earning $22,638 right out of the gate. If your child can secure admission to one of these stronger performers, the faster earnings ramp could justify exploring those options first. The 60th percentile placement suggests Arrojo occupies middle ground: better than most NY cosmetology programs, but not elite.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates owe about seven months of their first-year income—manageable by cosmetology standards, especially given the earnings growth that follows. For a student committed to building a career in beauty rather than just securing a license, Arrojo's combination of reasonable cost and improving outcomes offers a workable path forward, though not necessarily the fastest one to financial stability.

Where Arrojo Cosmetology School Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Arrojo Cosmetology School graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Arrojo Cosmetology School$18,528$25,400+37%
Paul Mitchell the School-Schenectady$17,570$27,864+59%
New York School of Esthetics & Day Spa$20,531$25,426+24%
The Salon Professional Academy-Tonawanda$17,534$25,281+44%
Aesthetic Science Institute$22,638$25,225+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in New York (46 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Arrojo Cosmetology SchoolNew York$18,528$25,400$10,6660.58
Aesthetic Science InstituteLatham$22,638$25,225$6,3330.28
Schuyler Steuben Chemung Tioga Allegany BOCESElmira$22,221$12,258$9,5000.43
Continental School of Beauty Culture-West SenecaWest Seneca$22,092$22,106$9,8470.45
Atelier Esthetique Institute of EstheticsNew York$21,516$24,650$6,3330.29
New York School of Esthetics & Day Spawhite plains$20,531$25,426$6,6250.32
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Arrojo Cosmetology School, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 122 graduates with reported earnings and 143 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.