Cosmetology at Crave Beauty Academy

Crave Beauty Academy graduates earn significantly more than most cosmetology program completers nationally—landing in the 84th percentile—while keeping debt manageable at just over $10,600. First-year earnings of $21,067 beat the national median by nearly $4,000, and graduates see steady income growth to $23,326 by year four. That 11% earnings trajectory matters in an industry where many programs show flat or declining income over time.

Within Kansas, the picture is more competitive. Crave ranks around the 60th percentile among the state's 23 cosmetology programs, with several Wichita and Kansas City area schools producing slightly higher earnings. Still, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 means graduates typically owe about six months of income—a reasonable starting point for a field where success often depends on building a client base over time. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, the program clearly serves students who need affordable workforce training.

For families evaluating cosmetology education, Crave offers a solid foundation without the excessive debt loads that plague some beauty schools. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates confirms these aren't anomalous results. While it's not the highest-earning cosmetology program in Kansas, the combination of above-average national performance and modest debt makes it a practical choice for students committed to the beauty industry.