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

Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body in Grand Forks delivers earnings that dwarf the national cosmetology average—graduates earn 66% more than typical program completers nationwide—but sit squarely in the middle of North Dakota's surprisingly strong cosmetology market. With $28,331 in first-year earnings and $12,000 in debt, the financial picture looks reasonable by beauty industry standards, though it's worth noting this trails the state's top programs by about $1,000 annually.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see income drop 10% between years one and four, falling to $25,387. This backward slide is common in cosmetology, where early hustle and client-building often yield better results than the established routine years later. That said, the debt load remains manageable—you're looking at debt equal to just five months of first-year income, well below the danger zone.

For families considering this program, understand you're paying for training that performs well nationally but middle-of-the-pack locally. The Grand Forks campus doesn't match the earnings outcomes of its Fargo sister school or the city's other academies, all of which cluster around $29,000-$29,300. If location flexibility exists, those marginal differences could add up over time. But with half the student body qualifying for Pell grants, this school clearly serves students who may prioritize accessibility over maximizing every dollar—and the debt-to-earnings ratio suggests they're not being financially exploited in the process.