Cosmetology at Florida Academy of Health & Beauty

This program's graduates earn roughly $15,000 annually while carrying relatively low debt—but both figures reveal troubling realities. At the 40th percentile among Florida's 127 cosmetology programs, earnings here sit about $1,700 below the state median, and significantly trail top performers like Florida State College at Jacksonville ($29,668) and Palm Beach State College ($24,361). More concerning: earnings actually decline to $12,625 by year four, suggesting graduates struggle to build sustainable careers or transition out of low-paying entry positions.

The debt picture offers limited consolation. While $5,743 is manageable in absolute terms and represents just 38% of first-year earnings, that's only because earnings are so low to begin with. At the 95th percentile nationally for debt, this program charges near the top of what certificate programs demand—yet delivers bottom-tier outcomes. Florida's community colleges and technical centers demonstrate that affordable cosmetology training yielding $20,000-30,000 in earnings is achievable within the same state.

For families considering this investment, the math is stark: graduates earn less than full-time minimum wage work ($15,080 federally), and that figure drops further over time. Unless your child has specific circumstances making this location essential, Florida offers dozens of programs with both lower costs and substantially better earning potential.