Cosmetology at Dorsey College

Dorsey College's cosmetology program ranks near the bottom nationally—5th percentile—with first-year graduates earning just $10,878, barely half the national median of $17,113. Even among Michigan's 41 cosmetology programs, this lands in the 25th percentile, trailing not just competitors like Northern Michigan University ($21,628) but also most regional beauty schools. The $16,500 in median debt exceeds what 95% of cosmetology programs nationwide charge, creating an immediate financial burden that will take years to overcome on a cosmetologist's income.

The 69% earnings growth to $18,353 by year four offers some relief, but context matters: graduates are still earning less at year four than the typical cosmetology graduate makes in year one nationally. For a program serving primarily lower-income students (61% receive Pell grants), this combination of below-market earnings and above-market debt is particularly troubling. Michigan has clear alternatives—schools like Paul Mitchell and Douglas J Aveda—delivering better outcomes at likely lower costs.

Unless Dorsey offers exceptional placement support or specialized training that justifies these numbers, families should explore other options. The debt burden here is real, and the earning potential lags too far behind both state and national peers to dismiss as minor variation.