Cosmetology at Douglas Education Center

Douglas Education Center's cosmetology program costs slightly more than most alternatives—$12,000 in median debt versus a national median of $10,802—but the earnings justify it. Starting at $19,347, graduates match Pennsylvania's median for cosmetology programs while outperforming 75% of similar programs nationally. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means most graduates should be able to manage their loans, even with the relatively modest starting salaries typical in this field.

The real differentiator here is the earnings trajectory. While many cosmetology programs see graduates' incomes stagnate or even decline as they struggle to build clientele, this program shows 15% earnings growth from year one to year four, reaching $22,315. That upward momentum suggests graduates are successfully establishing themselves in the profession, whether through building a loyal client base or advancing into salon management roles.

For parents of students committed to cosmetology, this program delivers above-average results at a reasonable premium. The $1,200 additional debt compared to the national median translates to roughly $13 more per month in loan payments—a manageable tradeoff for a program that consistently produces stronger-than-average earners in a competitive field.