Cosmetology at Award Beauty School

Award Beauty School graduates face a challenging financial reality: first-year earnings of just $14,771 barely surpass the poverty line, and by year four, graduates are actually earning less at $13,731. While the $11,015 debt load is relatively modest, that 75-cent debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates are spending nearly a full year's salary to pay off their training. Among Maryland's cosmetology programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile—below the state median of $16,429—and significantly trails top programs in the state that help graduates reach over $20,000 annually.

The numbers suggest graduates struggle to build sustainable careers. The 7% earnings decline between year one and year four is particularly troubling in an industry where experience and a growing client base should theoretically boost income. At under $15,000 annually, most graduates will need additional employment or face serious financial constraints. With 38% of students receiving Pell grants, many come from families who can least afford a program that doesn't deliver better returns.

For families banking on cosmetology as a path to financial stability, this program's outcomes should prompt serious consideration of alternatives. Several Maryland schools consistently place graduates in positions earning $20,000 or more—a meaningful difference when you're starting from such a low baseline. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to choose Award Beauty School specifically, exploring higher-performing programs could mean the difference between struggle and stability.