Cosmetology at First Class Cosmetology School

First Class Cosmetology School's numbers look solid at first glance—graduates earn $23,235 in their first year, crushing the national average for cosmetology programs by 36% and placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally. However, the Wisconsin context tells a more complicated story. While these graduates do outperform the state median slightly, they trail the top Wisconsin programs by $2,000-$4,000 annually. Among 30 cosmetology programs in Wisconsin, this one lands squarely in the middle of the pack (60th percentile).

The concerning piece is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn less four years out ($22,819) than in their first year—a 2% decline that's unusual even in fields where earnings plateau early. With $8,790 in debt, the financial burden is at least manageable (38% of first-year income), and the school clearly serves students who need financial aid, with 70% receiving Pell grants.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset—means these numbers could swing considerably with just a few outliers. For a family weighing options, the question is whether slightly above-average performance justifies enrollment when several Wisconsin programs consistently produce graduates earning 10-20% more. If location in Beloit is crucial, this program works fine. But if your child can attend programs in Waukesha, Madison, or Chippewa Valley, those extra earnings would pay off the slightly higher debt within months.