Median Earnings (1yr)
$16,730
46th percentile
60th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$6,920
30% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Boca Beauty Academy graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Boca Beauty Academy$16,730$20,316+21%
Palm Beach State College$24,361$29,926+23%
Paul Mitchell the School-Fort Lauderdale$17,570$27,864+59%
Florida Academy$16,245$26,868+65%
Daytona College$20,872$25,239+21%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (127 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Boca Beauty AcademyBoca Raton$16,730$20,316$6,9200.41
Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville$2,878$29,668$16,935$13,5770.46
Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth$3,050$24,361$29,926$9,5000.39
Pensacola State CollegePensacola$2,348$23,911$19,755$5,5000.23
Suncoast Technical CollegeSarasota$22,662
Tom P. Haney Technical CollegePanama City$22,028$18,101
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.