Cosmetology at Compass Career College

Compass Career College's cosmetology program produces graduates earning $12,318 in their first year—roughly $5,000 below the Louisiana median and landing in the bottom quarter of programs statewide. Compare that to nearby VH Barber & Styling Academy where graduates earn $19,545, and the gap becomes stark. While graduates do see 23% earnings growth by year four, they're starting from such a low baseline that even $15,195 keeps them well behind both state and national benchmarks.

The $12,458 in debt might seem manageable in absolute terms, but it nearly equals that first year's entire salary. For a field where Louisiana grads typically earn $15,617 after completing similar programs, this combination of below-average earnings and near-average debt creates immediate financial pressure. With 64% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on quick returns that this program struggles to deliver.

If cosmetology is the goal, Louisiana offers stronger options that lead to meaningfully higher starting salaries—often $6,000-7,000 more per year. That difference matters enormously when you're trying to pay down debt on beauty industry wages. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend this specific school, the data suggests looking at programs where graduates consistently clear $17,000-18,000 from day one.