Cosmetology at Artistic Nails and Beauty Academy-Lakeland

At around $19,000 annually, Artistic Nails and Beauty Academy graduates earn above both the national and Florida medians for cosmetology programs—landing in the 60th percentile statewide. That's the good news. The concerning part is that earnings barely budge over four years, growing just 1% while the $9,500 debt burden remains constant. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, graduates carry half a year's income in debt from the start.

The numbers look more troubling when you see what's possible at Florida's public technical colleges. Top programs like Florida State College at Jacksonville produce graduates earning $30,000—nearly 60% more than Artistic Nails—often with similar or lower debt loads. Even mid-tier state programs consistently deliver $22,000-24,000 in earnings, giving students substantially more breathing room to manage debt and build their careers.

For a family weighing this program, the question becomes whether the convenience or specific training approach justifies earning $10,000 less annually than graduates from public alternatives. The debt isn't unmanageable at first glance, but when your income stays flat at $19,000, that $9,500 becomes a multi-year burden. Check whether nearby technical colleges offer evening or weekend programs—they could deliver better financial outcomes without requiring relocation.