Cosmetology at Bellus Academy-Poway
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Bellus Academy-Poway stands out in California's crowded cosmetology landscape, delivering earnings that beat 60% of similar programs statewide. While the first-year median of $17,745 might seem modest, it's actually $3,145 above the California average for cosmetology programs—a meaningful advantage in a field where many graduates struggle to break even initially.
The debt picture is reasonable at $9,833, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. More importantly, graduates see solid income growth, with earnings jumping 25% to $22,229 by year four. This trajectory suggests the program effectively prepares students for career advancement, whether through building clientele, advancing to senior stylist positions, or eventually opening their own salons.
For parents weighing this investment, Bellus Academy offers a compelling value proposition in the cosmetology space. The program costs slightly more than the state median but delivers substantially higher earnings potential. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a diverse population while maintaining strong outcomes. At under $10,000 in debt for training that leads to above-average earnings in California's competitive market, this represents a solid pathway into the beauty industry.
Where Bellus Academy-Poway Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Bellus Academy-Poway graduates compare to all programs nationally
Bellus Academy-Poway graduates earn $18k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (130 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellus Academy-Poway | $17,745 | $22,229 | $9,833 | 0.55 |
| The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose | $24,660 | $24,953 | $10,376 | 0.42 |
| San Jose City College | $23,253 | — | — | — |
| MTI College | $21,371 | $22,802 | $10,550 | 0.49 |
| Institute of Technology | $21,184 | — | $13,341 | 0.63 |
| Shasta School of Cosmetology | $20,144 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose San Jose | — | $24,660 | $10,376 |
| San Jose City College San Jose | $1,366 | $23,253 | — |
| MTI College Sacramento | — | $21,371 | $10,550 |
| Institute of Technology Clovis | — | $21,184 | $13,341 |
| Shasta School of Cosmetology Redding | — | $20,144 | — |
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 Bellus Academy-Poway, approximately 44% 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 414 graduates with reported earnings and 488 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.