Cosmetology at Kenny's Academy of Barbering

Kenny's Academy of Barbering graduates earn $15,048 in their first year—well below both the state median of $18,592 and the national average of $17,113. More concerning, this ranks in just the 25th percentile among Indiana's 28 cosmetology programs, meaning three-quarters of similar in-state programs produce better outcomes. The earnings gap is substantial: top Indianapolis programs like Aveda Fredric's Institute and Paul Mitchell produce graduates earning $24,000+, nearly 60% more than Kenny's.

The debt picture offers a slim advantage. At $16,500, graduates here borrow less than they'd face at many competitors, though it's still above the national median. With debt exceeding first-year earnings by $1,500, new graduates will likely need additional income sources while building their client base. Given that 60% of students rely on Pell grants, many families here can't easily absorb this gap.

For families considering cosmetology training in Indianapolis, this program delivers below-average returns in a competitive local market. The modest debt advantage doesn't offset earning $3,500 less annually than the state median—a difference that compounds significantly over time. If location flexibility exists, exploring higher-performing Indianapolis alternatives could mean starting your career with 40-60% higher earnings from day one.