Cosmetology at Bennett Career Institute

Bennett Career Institute graduates earn more than three-quarters of cosmetology programs nationally, with first-year earnings of $20,316 climbing to nearly $22,000 by year four. That 8% growth trajectory stands out in a field where earnings often plateau early. The program costs about $9,800 in debt—roughly half of first-year earnings and typical for the industry.

Within DC's limited cosmetology market, Bennett sits in the middle of the pack (60th percentile), but what matters more is the broader competitive picture: these graduates out-earn the national median by $3,200 in year one. For a program serving a majority Pell-eligible student population, that's a meaningful advantage. The debt load is manageable enough that a graduate working full-time could reasonably pay it down within a year or two while building their client base.

The numbers suggest Bennett provides solid training for the realities of salon work in the DC market. Earnings aren't exceptional, but they're consistent and slightly above what most cosmetology programs deliver. For families looking at beauty industry careers, this represents a lower-risk entry point—modest debt, proven earnings, and a clear path forward.