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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $16,730 | $20,316 | $6,920 | 0.41 | |
| $2,878 | $29,668 | $16,935 | $13,577 | 0.46 | |
| $3,050 | $24,361 | $29,926 | $9,500 | 0.39 | |
| $2,348 | $23,911 | $19,755 | $5,500 | 0.23 | |
| — | $22,662 | — | — | — | |
| — | $22,028 | $18,101 | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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.