Cosmetology at Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Sterling

Educators of Beauty's Sterling campus produces outcomes that trail most Illinois cosmetology programs, with graduates earning $17,383 in their first year—below the state median of $17,832 and ranking in just the 40th percentile among the state's 71 cosmetology schools. More concerning, earnings essentially flatline over the next three years, growing by only $157 while the state's top programs show graduates earning $24,000+. This suggests limited advancement opportunity or perhaps market saturation in the Sterling area.

The debt load of $9,833 is manageable in absolute terms—roughly six months of first-year earnings—and aligns with both state and national medians. For the 57% of students receiving Pell grants, this likely represents a significant but not crushing burden. The real issue isn't the debt itself but the earnings ceiling: when your income stays stuck near $17,500 even four years into your career, every dollar of debt becomes harder to service while building toward salon ownership or other career goals.

With dozens of Illinois cosmetology programs to choose from, this one's below-average performance within the state matters. The school's Peru campus, for instance, shows graduates earning $22,967—nearly $5,000 more annually. Unless geographic constraints make Sterling the only viable option, Illinois families should explore programs with stronger track records of graduate earnings.