Cosmetology at Capri College-Cedar Rapids

Capri College-Cedar Rapids graduates earn more than 95% of cosmetology certificate programs nationwide, with first-year earnings of $23,586—nearly $6,500 above the national median. While that's strong compared to most programs, Iowa itself is a competitive market for beauty school outcomes, and this program sits squarely in the middle of the state's offerings at the 60th percentile. Top Iowa programs like Aveda Institute-Des Moines push earnings closer to $27,000, though Capri still outperforms most of its in-state competitors.

The financial setup is reasonable: at $11,681, debt is only slightly above both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio. Graduates typically pay about half a year's salary to finance their training. The 7% earnings growth from year one to year four shows modest but steady wage progression, suggesting stylists can build clientele and increase income over time. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves economically diverse students who appear to convert that training into solid middle-class earnings.

For Iowa families, this represents a safe choice among cosmetology programs—reliable outcomes without exceptional upside. If your child is committed to beauty services and wants to stay in Cedar Rapids, the program delivers solid value. Just know that peers at top Iowa programs start with a $3,000-4,000 annual earnings advantage, which compounds over a career.