Analysis
John Jay Beauty College graduates earn about $4,300 more than the typical Louisiana cosmetology program graduate—a meaningful advantage in a field where every dollar counts. Ranking in the 60th percentile statewide, this program outperforms roughly two-thirds of the 43 cosmetology schools across Louisiana, while keeping debt nearly $5,000 below the state average. The 14% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates build their client base and skills over time, a positive trajectory for a trade built on reputation and repeat business.
The $8,093 in debt translates to manageable monthly payments—roughly $90 per month on a standard ten-year plan—though it's worth noting graduates start at just over minimum wage equivalent earnings. With 58% of students receiving Pell grants, John Jay serves a population where even moderate debt requires careful budgeting. The earnings here won't create financial cushion quickly, but they compare favorably to in-state alternatives like Pineville Beauty School or My Le's Beauty College.
For Louisiana families considering cosmetology training, this program delivers above-average results at below-average cost within the state. The real limitation is the field itself: even top performers in Louisiana barely crack $20,000 four years out. If your child is committed to beauty services, John Jay positions them competitively without the debt burden that plagues many cosmetology graduates.
Where John Jay Beauty College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How John Jay Beauty College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Jay Beauty College | $17,493 | $19,916 | +14% |
| Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington | $18,605 | $23,872 | +28% |
| Belbo Beauty Institute | $16,842 | $21,185 | +26% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Baton Rouge | $16,701 | $20,732 | +24% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-New Orleans | $16,701 | $20,732 | +24% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (43 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,493 | $19,916 | $8,093 | 0.46 | |
| $19,545 | — | $16,500 | 0.84 | |
| $18,605 | $23,872 | $9,833 | 0.53 | |
| $18,093 | — | — | — | |
| $17,980 | $15,647 | $9,000 | 0.50 | |
| $17,929 | $18,058 | $13,272 | 0.74 | |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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 John Jay Beauty College, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 68 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.