Cosmetology at Institute of Technology

The small class size here demands caution, but the numbers tell a surprisingly strong story: Institute of Technology's cosmetology graduates earn $21,184 in their first year—nearly $7,000 more than California's median for the program and $4,000 above the national average. That 80th percentile ranking among California's 130 cosmetology programs suggests this isn't a fluke, though with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, individual outcomes could shift these figures significantly.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $13,341, graduates borrow more than typical for cosmetology programs, but the 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio means they're earning enough to justify it—especially compared to many California programs where lower debt often pairs with substantially lower earnings (the state median sits at just $14,600). Students here are essentially trading slightly higher borrowing for access to better-paying salon placements or stronger technical training that commands premium wages.

For parents, this looks like one of California's stronger cosmetology options, particularly if your child is serious about the profession and willing to invest in quality training. Just recognize the sample size caveat: you're betting on a program without extensive track record data. If this were a larger program with the same outcomes, it would be an easy recommendation. As is, it's a calculated risk with solid evidence behind it.