Cosmetology at Boca Beauty Academy-Parkland
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Boca Beauty Academy delivers solid value for cosmetology training, particularly when it comes to keeping costs manageable. With median debt of just $6,920—well below Florida's $9,500 median and the national average of $9,862—graduates avoid the heavy debt burden that plagues many beauty programs across the country.
The earnings picture tells a more nuanced story. While starting salaries of $16,730 rank in the 60th percentile among Florida cosmetology programs, they trail the state median slightly and fall in the middle of the national pack. However, earnings show healthy growth, reaching $20,316 by year four—a 21% increase that demonstrates career progression potential. Among Florida's 127 cosmetology programs, this performance beats 60% of competitors, though it's worth noting that top-tier programs like Florida State College at Jacksonville earn significantly more.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 is reasonable for this field, meaning graduates can realistically manage their monthly payments on typical cosmetology salaries. For families seeking affordable entry into the beauty industry, Boca Beauty Academy offers a practical path with lower financial risk than most alternatives. Just understand that cosmetology earnings start modest and require building a client base over time to reach higher income levels.
Where Boca Beauty Academy-Parkland 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 Boca Beauty Academy-Parkland graduates compare to all programs nationally
Boca Beauty Academy-Parkland graduates earn $17k, placing them in the 46th 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 Florida
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (127 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boca Beauty Academy-Parkland | $16,730 | $20,316 | $6,920 | 0.41 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | $29,668 | $16,935 | $13,577 | 0.46 |
| Palm Beach State College | $24,361 | $29,926 | $9,500 | 0.39 |
| Pensacola State College | $23,911 | $19,755 | $5,500 | 0.23 |
| Suncoast Technical College | $22,662 | — | — | — |
| Tom P. Haney Technical College | $22,028 | $18,101 | — | — |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville | $2,878 | $29,668 | $13,577 |
| Palm Beach State College Lake Worth | $3,050 | $24,361 | $9,500 |
| Pensacola State College Pensacola | $2,348 | $23,911 | $5,500 |
| Suncoast Technical College Sarasota | — | $22,662 | — |
| Tom P. Haney Technical College Panama City | — | $22,028 | — |
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 Boca Beauty Academy-Parkland, approximately 58% 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 323 graduates with reported earnings and 389 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.