Cosmetology at J's Barber College

J's Barber College graduates earn roughly $13,000 in their first year—about $2,600 below Louisiana's median for cosmetology programs and $4,000 below the national benchmark. Among Louisiana's 43 cosmetology schools, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of similar programs in the state produce better initial earnings. The gap is stark when you look at top Louisiana performers like VH Barber & Styling Academy, where graduates earn $19,545—nearly 50% more.

The debt picture adds another concern. While $15,625 isn't overwhelming in absolute terms, it's high relative to what graduates earn immediately. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.20 means graduates owe more than a full year's salary, which can strain budgets when monthly loan payments kick in alongside basic living expenses. On the positive side, this debt load falls in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning most cosmetology programs actually saddle students with more debt—though that's cold comfort when the earnings are this low.

Be aware that these numbers come from a small graduating class (under 30 students), so individual outcomes could vary significantly. Still, even accounting for that uncertainty, the combination of below-median Louisiana earnings and debt that exceeds first-year income suggests families should explore alternatives. Several Louisiana schools deliver meaningfully better earnings outcomes at comparable or lower debt levels.