Cosmetology at Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers-West Palm Beach

This cosmetology program produces earnings that fall short of both national and state expectations, placing graduates at a significant disadvantage in the job market. With median first-year earnings of $15,540, graduates earn about $1,200 less than the Florida state median and $1,600 less than the national average for cosmetology programs. At the 32nd percentile nationally and 40th percentile within Florida, this program ranks in the bottom half of comparable schools, meaning most other cosmetology programs deliver better financial outcomes.

The debt situation offers some relief—at $9,500, it matches the Florida median and sits slightly below the national average. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans with about 7 months of gross income. However, the modest 7% earnings growth over four years ($16,655 by year four) suggests limited income progression compared to stronger programs in the state.

For perspective, Florida's top cosmetology programs produce nearly double the earnings—Jacksonville State College graduates earn $29,668 in their first year. While this program won't saddle your child with crushing debt, the below-average earning potential means they'll likely struggle financially compared to peers from better-performing schools. Consider exploring higher-ranked Florida programs that offer significantly better return on investment.