Cosmetology at Florida Career College-Orlando

With 127 cosmetology programs in Florida, this one ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of Florida programs produce better earnings outcomes. Graduates here earn $13,395 their first year, roughly $3,300 below Florida's state median and nearly $4,000 below the national benchmark. That puts students behind from day one, though the 32% earnings growth over four years shows some recovery trajectory. Compare this to top Florida programs like Florida State College at Jacksonville, where first-year earnings hit nearly $30,000, or even mid-tier options like Suncoast Technical College at $22,662.

The $11,718 in debt might seem manageable, but it represents nearly a full year's starting salary—and that's assuming graduates find steady work immediately in a field notorious for part-time hours and commission-based pay. With 69% of students receiving Pell grants, most families here can't easily absorb earnings shortfalls while their child establishes a client base. Even after four years, graduates earn just $17,641, still below what peers from stronger Florida programs make in their first year out.

Florida offers dozens of cosmetology programs with demonstrably better outcomes at similar or lower cost. Unless there's a compelling geographic or scheduling reason to attend this particular campus, families should explore alternatives that better position graduates for financial stability from the start.