Cosmetology at Keene Beauty Academy

Keene Beauty Academy's cosmetology program produces graduates earning $17,164 in their first year—about average nationally but concerning when you look at New Hampshire specifically. This sits $6,000 below the state median of $23,332, placing it in just the 25th percentile among NH cosmetology programs. Given that in-state tuition likely factors into choosing a New Hampshire school, this earnings gap matters: all four other programs in the state deliver substantially higher first-year earnings, ranging from $20,600 to $24,000.

The debt picture offers some relief—$11,966 is manageable for a quick-credential program, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70. This means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in under a year of full-time work, which is favorable compared to many vocational programs. The debt burden is slightly above the state median but still reasonable.

However, the small sample size here is crucial—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. For a parent weighing options, the consistent pattern is clear: other NH schools are delivering better early earnings outcomes. Unless there's a compelling geographic or scheduling reason to attend Keene specifically, exploring the Empire Beauty School or Paul Mitchell locations would likely position your child for stronger financial footing in those critical first years after graduation.