Cosmetology at Brittany Beauty Academy

Brittany Beauty Academy's graduates earn slightly below New York's median for cosmetology programs, landing around the 40th percentile statewide—a significant gap when the top programs in the state produce graduates earning $22,000+ in their first year. That $17,000 starting point means most graduates are earning roughly $8/hour full-time, which is challenging even with relatively modest debt.

The $9,284 in student debt is close to state averages, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 means graduates face over half a year's income in loan obligations. While earnings do grow 18% over four years to nearly $20,000, this trajectory still leaves cosmetologists well below what they'd need for financial independence in the Bronx, where living costs run high. The program serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, but the economic outcomes suggest students might benefit from comparing options at higher-performing New York schools.

For families weighing this investment, the question is whether the location and community access justify outcomes that lag behind many state alternatives. If staying in the Bronx is essential, understand that graduates will likely need supplemental income or family support in their early career years. If mobility is an option, the data suggests looking at programs where first-year earnings exceed $20,000.