Cosmetology at Dorsey School of Beauty

Dorsey School of Beauty graduates are earning roughly half of what other Michigan cosmetology students make—$16,320 four years out compared to the state median of $15,179 in year one. This program ranks in just the 10th percentile statewide and 5th percentile nationally, meaning 90-95% of comparable programs produce better outcomes. The top Michigan schools are placing graduates at $20,000+ in earnings, nearly double what Dorsey achieves even after four years.

The financial mechanics here are troubling. With $16,500 in debt (67% higher than the state median) against first-year earnings of just $8,615, graduates face nearly two dollars of debt for every dollar earned. Even with the 89% earnings growth by year four, graduates are still earning less than typical Michigan cosmetology students make immediately after graduation. For a family where 58% of students need Pell grants, taking on above-average debt for bottom-decile earnings creates real hardship.

The path forward isn't complicated: Michigan has 41 cosmetology programs, and dozens of them deliver better results with less debt. Programs like Paul Mitchell Great Lakes or Douglas J Aveda charge similar amounts but position graduates to earn 15-35% more. For a field where licensing requirements are standardized across the state, there's no reason to accept bottom-tier outcomes at premium prices.