Cosmetology at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology-South Dayton

Creative Images' cosmetology program starts slow but shows real momentum. While first-year earnings of $16,806 fall below both the Ohio median ($17,110) and national average, graduates see their income jump 43% by year four—reaching $24,029. That's noteworthy in cosmetology, where building a client base typically takes several years. The debt burden of $12,664 sits just above Ohio's median but remains manageable relative to the modest starting income.

The challenge here is geographic: this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Ohio's 59 cosmetology schools. Top programs in the state like Paul Mitchell Columbus and Salon Institute Toledo show graduates earning $23,000-$24,000 right out of the gate—essentially matching what Creative Images grads reach after four years of working their way up. That gap matters when you're starting at under $17,000 annually and trying to establish financial independence.

For families committed to staying in the Dayton area, the trajectory is encouraging and the debt is reasonable. But if your child can access one of Ohio's stronger cosmetology programs—particularly those hitting $22,000+ in first-year earnings—they'll reach financial stability faster. The program works, it just takes longer to get there than competitors offer.