Cosmetology at Capri Cosmetology Learning Centers

Capri Cosmetology's Nanuet location manages to outperform most New York cosmetology programs while keeping debt below average—landing in the 60th percentile statewide for earnings with about $1,300 less debt than the typical NY program. First-year earnings of $17,982 edge out both state and national medians, and the 22% income growth to $21,932 by year four suggests graduates are building their client base successfully. That said, this still falls well short of top-performing NY programs like Aesthetic Science Institute, which posts earnings nearly 20% higher.

The $7,915 in median debt translates to manageable monthly payments at these income levels, though the reality of cosmetology economics remains stark: even successful graduates face years of building clientele while earning modest wages. Half of students here receive Pell grants, indicating many come from lower-income backgrounds where taking on any debt for sub-$20,000 annual earnings requires careful consideration.

For families evaluating this program, the math works better than most cosmetology options in New York, but it's still a field where financial returns come from hustle and talent more than the certificate itself. If your child has a genuine passion for the work and understands they'll likely need additional income sources early on, this represents a relatively affordable entry point to the profession.