Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (60 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Champ's Barber School$17,925
Metro Beauty Academy$21,226$21,774$13,3810.63
Penn Commercial Business/Technical School$20,871$21,778$11,3180.54
South Hills Beauty Academy$20,852$22,780$7,6620.37
Douglas Education Center$20,532$20,851$11,6460.57
Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork$19,624$23,986$7,2080.37
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Metro Beauty Academy
Allentown
$21,226$13,381
Penn Commercial Business/Technical School
Washington
$13,654$20,871$11,318
South Hills Beauty Academy
Pittsburgh
$20,852$7,662
Douglas Education Center
Monessen
$18,950$20,532$11,646
Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork
Lancaster
$19,624$7,208

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Champ's Barber School, approximately 73% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.