Cosmetology at Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology

Debutantes School's cosmetology program leaves graduates earning about $16,000 in their first year—roughly $1,800 below the Illinois median and $1,000 below the national average. While this ranks in the 40th percentile among Illinois cosmetology programs, it's concerning that top-performing Illinois schools like the University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology help graduates earn over $24,000 annually, more than 50% higher than what this program delivers. That gap matters significantly when you're starting from such a low baseline income.

The $9,958 in median debt is close to both state and national norms, but the real issue is the earning power on the other side. With first-year earnings around $16,000, graduates face a debt load equal to about 62% of their annual income—manageable but tight for someone likely working hourly in a service industry with inconsistent income. This isn't a predatory debt situation, but it does mean your child would be repaying loans while earning well below what many Illinois cosmetology programs achieve.

If your child is committed to cosmetology in Illinois, push them to explore higher-performing options first. Several schools in the state produce graduates earning 35-50% more with similar debt levels, which would make loan repayment far less burdensome and provide better financial footing early in their career.