Cosmetology at Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Rockford

Educators of Beauty's Rockford campus produces earnings that barely budge over time—graduates make $17,383 in year one and just $17,540 four years later. That 1% growth suggests limited career progression, and when you're starting from roughly minimum wage equivalent, stagnation is particularly concerning. While the debt load of $9,833 is manageable in absolute terms, it represents more than half a year's income for typical graduates.

The comparison to other Illinois cosmetology programs reveals the real issue here. This school ranks in just the 40th percentile statewide, with graduates earning about $2,500 less annually than the state median. Top Illinois programs like University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology and Illinois Eastern Community Colleges place graduates at $24,000+—nearly 40% higher earnings for similar training and comparable debt. Given that Illinois has 71 cosmetology programs, your child has numerous better options without leaving the state.

For a family weighing this investment: $10,000 in debt for a credential that leads to $17,500 in earnings isn't catastrophic, but it's also not competitive. If cosmetology is the goal, look at programs where graduates actually see their income grow and start at higher baselines. The flat earnings trajectory here suggests either limited licensure success or weak placement into career-advancing positions.