Cosmetology at Capri College-Davenport

Capri College-Davenport's cosmetology program outperforms 94% of cosmetology programs nationwide—a remarkable distinction that collapses somewhat when you zoom into Iowa, where it ranks in the 60th percentile. Graduates earn $22,161 in their first year, well above the national median of $17,113, though several in-state competitors like Aveda Institute-Des Moines and PCI Academy programs produce stronger outcomes. Still, with debt of just $11,019—half of first-year earnings—this program offers a manageable financial entry into the beauty industry.

The earnings trajectory shows modest growth to $23,623 by year four, a 7% increase that reflects the gradual accumulation of clientele typical in cosmetology careers. This program's 45% Pell Grant population suggests it successfully serves students from modest economic backgrounds, and the debt load won't trap graduates in a financial bind even as they build their business.

For an Iowa family, this is a solid middle-tier choice: meaningfully better than most national programs but not the strongest option available locally. If your child can access one of the higher-earning Iowa programs nearby, that's worth exploring. But if Davenport's location works for your family, the combination of above-average earnings and manageable debt makes this a reasonable investment for someone committed to the cosmetology field.