Median Earnings (1yr)
$16,730
46th percentile (60th in FL)
Median Debt
$6,920
30% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
323
Adequate data

Analysis

Boca Beauty Academy's cosmetology program offers a relatively affordable entry into the beauty industry, with graduates carrying just $6,920 in debt—significantly less than the $9,500 state median and $9,862 national average. This low debt load translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, meaning graduates can expect to earn back their investment in less than six months of full-time work.

The earnings picture is more modest but shows promise. While first-year earnings of $16,730 lag slightly behind the national average, they sit above Florida's median for cosmetology programs and grow to $20,316 by year four—a solid 21% increase. Among Florida's 127 cosmetology programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it in the upper half of state offerings, though well below top performers like Florida State College at Jacksonville ($29,668).

For families prioritizing affordability and debt minimization, this program delivers reasonable value. The 73% Pell grant recipient rate indicates the school serves students from lower-income backgrounds effectively. However, parents should understand that even the strongest cosmetology programs in Florida rarely produce high earnings—this is an industry where passion and entrepreneurial drive often matter more than the specific school attended.

Where Boca Beauty Academy Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Boca Beauty AcademyOther cosmetology programs

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 graduates compare to all programs nationally

Boca Beauty Academy 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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Boca Beauty Academy$16,730$20,316$6,9200.41
Florida State College at Jacksonville$29,668$16,935$13,5770.46
Palm Beach State College$24,361$29,926$9,5000.39
Pensacola State College$23,911$19,755$5,5000.23
Suncoast Technical College$22,662———
Tom P. Haney Technical College$22,028$18,101——
National Median$17,113—$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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, approximately 73% 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.