Analysis
Brittany Beauty Academy's cosmetology program produces graduates earning less than most New York competitors, landing in the 40th percentile statewide—meaning 60% of similar programs in the state deliver better outcomes. While the $9,284 debt load is reasonable and the program shows steady earnings growth of 18% over four years, first-year earnings of just $16,822 make those initial months financially tight. For context, top New York cosmetology programs like Aesthetic Science Institute see graduates earning $22,638, roughly $6,000 more annually than Brittany Beauty graduates.
The math works, but barely. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, graduates can realistically pay off their loans, especially as earnings climb toward $19,841 by year four. However, compare this to state leaders where higher starting salaries mean faster debt repayment and more financial breathing room early in your career. The program serves a predominantly working-class student body (52% receive Pell grants), and while it provides viable entry into the beauty industry, it's not giving graduates a competitive edge in the New York market.
If your child has strong connections to Levittown salons or personal reasons to stay local, this program offers acceptable value. But if flexibility exists in location, exploring higher-performing New York cosmetology schools could mean significantly better earnings from day one, which matters tremendously when you're managing rent, loan payments, and building a clientele simultaneously.
Where Brittany Beauty Academy Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Brittany 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brittany Beauty Academy | $16,822 | $19,841 | +18% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Schenectady | $17,570 | $27,864 | +59% |
| New York School of Esthetics & Day Spa | $20,531 | $25,426 | +24% |
| Arrojo Cosmetology School | $18,528 | $25,400 | +37% |
| The Salon Professional Academy-Tonawanda | $17,534 | $25,281 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in New York (46 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,822 | $19,841 | $9,284 | 0.55 | |
| $22,638 | $25,225 | $6,333 | 0.28 | |
| $22,221 | $12,258 | $9,500 | 0.43 | |
| $22,092 | $22,106 | $9,847 | 0.45 | |
| $21,516 | $24,650 | $6,333 | 0.29 | |
| $20,531 | $25,426 | $6,625 | 0.32 | |
| 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 Brittany Beauty Academy, approximately 52% 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 201 graduates with reported earnings and 257 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.