Cosmetology at Cortiva Institute

Cortiva Institute's cosmetology program stands out in a crowded Maryland market, ranking in the 80th percentile statewide for earnings—a meaningful achievement given that 17 schools compete for students in this field. First-year graduates earn $20,754, putting them within striking distance of the top programs in the state while carrying significantly less debt than the typical Maryland cosmetology graduate ($7,917 versus the state median of $12,583).

The earnings trajectory here tells an encouraging story. Graduates see a 19% increase by year four, reaching $24,675, which matters in a field where steady income growth isn't guaranteed. Combined with manageable debt—the $7,917 load takes less than half a year's earnings to service—this program delivers what anxious parents hope for: a launching pad rather than a financial burden. The fact that 76% of students receive Pell grants suggests the school successfully serves students who need education to be affordable, not just accessible.

For families weighing cosmetology programs, this represents solid value. Your child would graduate with less debt than most Maryland competitors while earning more than 80% of peers in the state. The difference between this program and the median Maryland option is over $4,000 in first-year earnings and nearly $5,000 less in debt—a substantial gap that compounds over time.