Cosmetology at Erie 1 BOCES

Erie 1 BOCES graduates earn about $2,000 less than typical New York cosmetology programs in their first year, placing them below the state median despite slightly higher debt loads. The starting salary of $15,359 means graduates would need nearly eight months of full earnings just to cover their $9,500 in student debt, though the relatively modest loan burden keeps this manageable compared to many vocational programs.

The 25% earnings jump to $19,190 by year four offers some reassurance—graduates do see meaningful income growth as they build clientele and skills. However, even with that improvement, they're still earning about $3,000 less annually than graduates from top-performing New York cosmetology schools like Continental School of Beauty Culture (also in West Seneca) or Aesthetic Science Institute. That gap compounds over time and raises questions about why this program lags behind competitors in the same metro area.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether location convenience or familiarity with BOCES justifies accepting below-median outcomes. The debt won't be crushing, but your child will likely start their cosmetology career at a financial disadvantage compared to peers from stronger programs. If other accredited schools are accessible, the earnings difference could be worth the extra research.