Cosmetology at Butte Academy of Beauty Culture

Among Montana's four cosmetology programs, this school ranks dead last in graduate earnings—and the numbers are concerning even beyond state comparisons. At $9,586 in the first year, graduates earn less than half Montana's median for cosmetology programs ($19,645) and barely crack the 5th percentile nationally. Academy of Cosmetology Inc graduates, by contrast, earn more than double this amount in their first year. While 38% of students receive Pell grants, the post-graduation earnings barely register above poverty wages.

The 137% earnings growth to $22,749 by year four does show eventual improvement, finally approaching Montana's median. But that four-year timeline is a long runway when you're starting at less than $10,000 annually. The relatively modest debt load of $7,487 is a silver lining—it's below both state and national medians—meaning graduates aren't drowning in payments while they build their client base. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 looks manageable on paper, though that first-year income is genuinely difficult to live on.

For Montana families considering cosmetology training, the data suggests looking at the three competing programs first. Those schools demonstrate you can launch a viable cosmetology career in the state without this painful earnings lag. If Butte Academy is the only geographically accessible option, understand your student is likely facing years of supplemental income needs or family support before reaching sustainable earnings.