Cosmetology at International Beauty School 4

This program charges $12,000 to train students for earnings that decline from $16,785 to $14,410 over four years—heading in the wrong direction for graduates trying to build financial stability. While International Beauty School 4 ranks above the state median among West Virginia cosmetology programs, that comparison provides cold comfort when most students here receive Pell grants and likely need every dollar to count.

The debt load itself isn't catastrophic at 0.71 times first-year earnings, and it's actually lower than the national median for cosmetology programs. But here's the problem: earnings drop 14% between year one and year four, suggesting either unstable employment or graduates leaving the field. Compare this to stronger West Virginia programs like Clarksburg Beauty Academy, where graduates earn $21,049—nearly 50% more than what students here make after four years.

For families weighing this investment, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere. Other West Virginia schools deliver better outcomes without necessarily charging more, and the earnings trajectory here raises questions about whether graduates are finding sustainable work in the field. At minimum, prospective students should understand why earnings decline so sharply and whether this reflects broader challenges in the local market or issues specific to this school's training and placement support.