Cosmetology at Butler Beauty Academy

Butler Beauty Academy graduates earn $13,502 in their first year—well below both Pennsylvania's median for cosmetology programs ($16,236) and the national average ($17,113). This places the program in just the 25th percentile among Pennsylvania's 60 cosmetology schools, meaning three-quarters of similar programs in the state produce better outcomes. The top PA programs generate first-year earnings of $20,000-21,000, roughly 50% more than Butler grads typically see.

The relatively modest debt load of $8,028 provides some cushion—it's lower than both state and national medians for cosmetology programs. Still, when you're earning just over $1,100 per month in your first year, even this debt level represents a meaningful burden. Earnings do improve to $16,665 by year four, which narrows the gap to state and national averages, but you're still playing catch-up after a weak start.

For a Pennsylvania family, this program sits squarely in the bottom quarter of in-state options. If cosmetology is the goal, other Pennsylvania schools deliver significantly stronger earning potential right out of the gate without necessarily requiring more debt. The lower tuition cost matters, but starting your career $3,000-7,000 behind peers from higher-performing programs compounds over time.