Cosmetology at Boise Barber College

At $19,417 in first-year earnings, Boise Barber College's cosmetology program outperforms 70% of similar programs nationally—a solid showing given how many beauty schools struggle with low outcomes. Among Idaho's 15 cosmetology programs, it ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's offerings. Graduates earn slightly more than the Idaho median of $18,555, though they trail the top-performing Paul Mitchell schools in Boise and Nampa by about $2,200.

The $9,500 in typical debt is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49—meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year income. This is slightly better than the national median debt of $9,862 and notably lower than Idaho's typical $10,556. With modest earnings growth to $20,716 by year four, the financial picture remains stable rather than transformative.

For students committed to cosmetology careers in Idaho, this program offers a reasonable path forward without excessive debt. The moderate sample size suggests steady enrollment, and the fact that half of students receive Pell grants indicates the school serves working-class families successfully. Your child won't land at the top of Idaho's earnings ladder, but they'll avoid the debt traps common at many beauty schools while entering the workforce with credentials that perform above the national average.