Cosmetology at Florida Career College-Boynton Beach

This program demonstrates concerning early earnings but meaningful upward momentum that still leaves graduates trailing their peers. Starting at just $13,395—nearly $3,000 below Florida's median for cosmetology programs and in the bottom quarter statewide—graduates face immediate financial pressure despite relatively manageable debt of $11,718. The 32% earnings growth to $17,641 by year four signals that graduates are building clientele and skills, but even after this improvement, they're earning less than the typical Florida cosmetology graduate makes in their first year.

The comparison to Florida's top performers is particularly striking. Palm Beach State College, located in the same county, produces cosmetology graduates earning $24,361—nearly $7,000 more than this program's four-year figure. Even mid-tier public options like Suncoast Technical College show dramatically better outcomes. With 68% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are making significant sacrifices for training that appears to provide a slower launch into the beauty industry than alternatives across the state.

For parents considering this $11,718 investment, the question is whether the convenience or other factors justify starting $3,300 behind the state median. Florida has 127 cosmetology programs, and many public options deliver substantially better early earning potential without the private school premium. Unless location or scheduling makes this the only viable option, examining nearby alternatives—particularly community colleges—would be prudent.