Cosmetology at Capilo School of Hair Design

Capilo graduates earn $20,556 their first year—about $3,400 more than the national median for cosmetology programs. That's an 80th percentile performance nationally, though in Maine's smaller market, it lands at the 60th percentile among the state's three cosmetology schools. The $9,833 in median debt is nearly identical to the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48—meaning graduates can expect to earn roughly double their debt in their first year.

The earnings trajectory shows steady improvement, with income reaching $23,039 by year four, representing 12% growth. This matters in an industry where many professionals struggle to increase their earning power after the initial learning curve. While you won't find spectacular starting salaries here—this is cosmetology, after all—Capilo's graduates are clearly competing effectively for better-paying positions. The modest debt load means graduates aren't starting their careers in a financial hole, which is especially important in a field where many work as independent contractors and need flexibility to build their client base.

For a family comfortable with cosmetology as a career path, this represents solid training at a fair price. The debt is manageable on these earnings, and graduates outperform most of their peers nationally. Just understand you're investing in a certification for skilled trade work, not a pathway to dramatically higher income over time.