Cosmetology at Del-Mar-Va Beauty Academy

Del-Mar-Va Beauty Academy graduates earn $20,694 in their first year—putting them in the top 20% nationally among cosmetology programs and well above Maryland's median of $16,429. That's a meaningful advantage in a field where most programs struggle to reach $20,000. The debt load of $13,550 is higher than the national typical ($9,862), but it's actually below Maryland's median, and at 0.65 times first-year earnings, it remains manageable compared to many certificate programs.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn slightly less four years out than they do initially. This isn't unusual in cosmetology, where income depends heavily on building a client base and chair rental arrangements, but it does mean this program won't deliver traditional career progression. Three-quarters of students receive Pell grants, suggesting this serves a population seeking accessible entry into licensed work.

For a student committed to cosmetology in the Salisbury area, this program delivers above-average earning potential with debt that can realistically be repaid. Just understand you're paying a premium for that performance—about $4,000 more in debt than typical—and your child's income will depend more on entrepreneurial hustle than climbing a salary ladder.