Cosmetology at Federico Beauty Institute
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Federico Beauty Institute's cosmetology program offers a surprisingly strong value proposition in California's competitive beauty education market. While the $16,940 first-year earnings may seem modest, this program ranks in the 60th percentile among California cosmetology schools—notably outperforming the state median of $14,600. More importantly, graduates carry just $6,951 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41.
The financial picture improves significantly over time, with earnings jumping 25% to $21,113 by year four. This growth trajectory, combined with the low debt load, puts graduates in a much better position than peers at most other programs. While the program doesn't crack the top tier of California schools (which can generate $24,000+ in first-year earnings), it delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance at a fraction of the typical debt burden—the national median debt for cosmetology programs is $9,862.
For families concerned about educational debt, this represents one of the more financially responsible paths into the beauty industry in California. The combination of below-average debt and above-state-median earnings creates a foundation where graduates can actually build careers without being crushed by loan payments.
Where Federico Beauty Institute Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Federico Beauty Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
Federico Beauty Institute graduates earn $17k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (130 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federico Beauty Institute | $16,940 | $21,113 | $6,951 | 0.41 |
| The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose | $24,660 | $24,953 | $10,376 | 0.42 |
| San Jose City College | $23,253 | — | — | — |
| MTI College | $21,371 | $22,802 | $10,550 | 0.49 |
| Institute of Technology | $21,184 | — | $13,341 | 0.63 |
| Shasta School of Cosmetology | $20,144 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose San Jose | — | $24,660 | $10,376 |
| San Jose City College San Jose | $1,366 | $23,253 | — |
| MTI College Sacramento | — | $21,371 | $10,550 |
| Institute of Technology Clovis | — | $21,184 | $13,341 |
| Shasta School of Cosmetology Redding | — | $20,144 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Federico Beauty Institute, approximately 48% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 355 graduates with reported earnings and 396 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.