Median Earnings (1yr)
$15,698
34th percentile (60th in CA)
Sample Size
47
Adequate data

Earnings Distribution

How Hilltop Beauty School graduates compare to all programs nationally

Hilltop Beauty School graduates earn $16k, placing them in the 34th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (130 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Hilltop Beauty School$15,698$20,091
The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose$24,660$24,953$10,3760.42
San Jose City College$23,253
MTI College$21,371$22,802$10,5500.49
Institute of Technology$21,184$13,3410.63
Shasta School of Cosmetology$20,144
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose
San Jose
$24,660$10,376
San Jose City College
San Jose
$1,366$23,253
MTI College
Sacramento
$21,371$10,550
Institute of Technology
Clovis
$21,184$13,341
Shasta School of Cosmetology
Redding
$20,144

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Hilltop Beauty School, approximately 58% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.