Cosmetology at Fosbre Academy of Hair Design

Fosbre Academy graduates earn $22,017 in their first year—nearly $5,000 more than the national median for cosmetology programs and ranking in the 93rd percentile nationally. That's an impressive result for a field where many programs leave students earning below $18,000. However, within Washington state, this puts graduates right at the middle of the pack (60th percentile), suggesting that Washington's cosmetology market overall offers stronger earning potential than most states.

The $11,000 in typical debt translates to a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable for a trade program. A graduate earning $22,000 annually should be able to handle this loan burden while building their career and clientele. The debt level is slightly above both state and national medians but not dramatically so, and the strong earnings offset this concern.

For parents weighing this investment, the key consideration is geographic: Fosbre delivers solid results that beat most cosmetology programs nationwide, but if staying in Washington is the plan, a handful of Seattle-area schools produce graduates earning $2,000-$3,500 more annually. Still, location matters in beauty services—building a local client base in Olympia might offer advantages over relocating to a pricier Seattle market. The program represents a reasonable entry point into a stable trade, particularly for students who plan to establish roots in the Thurston County area.