Cosmetology at International College of Cosmetology

At $13,873 in first-year earnings, this program starts well below both California's median ($14,600) and the national average ($17,113) for cosmetology certificates. What matters here is the trajectory: graduates see 44% earnings growth by year four, reaching nearly $20,000—but that still places them far behind California's stronger programs. San Jose City College and The Salon Professional Academy graduates are earning $23,000-$24,000 in their first year alone, suggesting those programs may offer better industry connections or training that translates to higher-paying positions immediately.

The $8,664 in debt is manageable compared to the national median, but it's still substantial given the low starting salary. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62, graduates start with debt equal to more than half their first year's income. The 40th percentile ranking among California cosmetology programs is telling—this is a below-average performer in a state with 130 options.

For families investing in cosmetology training in the Bay Area, this program's combination of weak starting earnings and slow climb to modest four-year wages makes it hard to justify when stronger alternatives exist nearby. The growth is encouraging, but starting so far behind means graduates spend years catching up to where better programs begin.