Cosmetology at Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Fargo

Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body in Fargo dramatically outperforms the typical cosmetology program—graduates earn 66% more than the national median just one year out—but this is actually standard for North Dakota. Cosmetology programs across ND cluster tightly around $28,000-29,000 in first-year earnings, roughly double the national figure. Within the state, Josef's-Fargo sits squarely in the middle of the pack, essentially tied with its sister campus in Grand Forks and just below the two Fargo competitors.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see income drop 10% between year one and year four, from $28,331 to $25,387. This suggests either saturation in the local market or the difficulty of maintaining a steady client base in the field. The $12,000 debt load is reasonable—about one year's entry-level salary—but that calculation becomes less favorable as earnings decline rather than grow.

For families, the calculus is straightforward: if your child plans to work in North Dakota's cosmetology market, this program delivers competitive preparation at manageable debt levels. However, don't expect income growth in those early career years. The real value here is geographic—North Dakota's robust cosmetology earnings make this field far more viable than in most states, regardless of which in-state program you choose.