Cosmetology at Joseph's College Cosmetology

Joseph's College delivers first-year earnings that crush the national average for cosmetology programs by over 30%, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationwide. At $22,479, new graduates earn substantially more than the typical $17,113 national figure, with manageable debt of $12,000. For a field where six-figure debt loads sometimes appear, this represents responsible borrowing—though it's worth noting that three Nebraska schools achieve even higher earnings with similar or lower debt burdens.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory. Four years out, median income drops to $17,790—a 21% decline that's unusual in any field. This could reflect graduates moving from full-time salon work to part-time schedules, changing career paths entirely, or the reality that peak earnings in cosmetology often arrive early. While the program performs well against national standards, it sits in the middle of Nebraska's cosmetology landscape rather than at the top, suggesting room for stronger industry connections or placement support.

For families weighing this investment, the first-year returns are solid and the debt load won't become crushing. However, set realistic expectations: this field's earning power appears to weaken rather than strengthen over time. If your child is passionate about cosmetology and committed to building a client base or eventually owning a salon, the program provides a viable entry point without excessive debt risk.