Cosmetology at Arthur's Beauty College

Arthur's Beauty College graduates start earning below both state and national medians, but the 47% earnings jump over four years suggests graduates are building clientele and skills that pay off. While first-year earnings of $14,388 put this program in just the 22nd percentile nationally, it actually sits near the middle of Arkansas cosmetology schools—the state simply has lower earnings across the board for this field. Compare that to top Arkansas programs like Arkansas Beauty School-Little Rock where graduates earn $21,161 right away.

The debt load of $9,833 is manageable and slightly below both state and national averages. With 63% of students receiving Pell grants, many here are using cosmetology as an accessible entry point to self-employment. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 means graduates owe about eight months of first-year income, which isn't terrible but reflects the field's reality of starting slow.

The key question is whether your student plans to stay in Arkansas. If they're willing to relocate or have a clear path to building a higher-end client base, other programs offer stronger starting positions. But if they're price-sensitive and committed to the gradual build that cosmetology often requires, the relatively low debt here won't anchor them as they grow their income.