Median Earnings (1yr)
$16,706
45th percentile
60th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$9,833
At national median

Analysis

L'esprit Academy's cosmetology program sits comfortably in the middle of Michigan's competitive beauty school landscape, performing better than 60% of in-state options despite earnings that fall slightly below the national median. The $9,833 debt load translates to just seven months of first-year income—manageable by any standard—and graduates see their earnings climb nearly 20% to $19,939 within four years. That growth trajectory matters in an industry where building a client base takes time, and it puts fourth-year graduates within reach of the state's top-performing programs.

The numbers tell the story of a practical path into the beauty industry without excessive financial burden. While Canton isn't producing the $21,000+ earners you'll find at Northern Michigan, it's outperforming most Michigan cosmetology schools at a similar price point. The 45% Pell grant rate suggests this program serves students who need affordable career training, and the debt-to-earnings math supports that mission—students aren't gambling their financial futures on beauty school.

For families considering cosmetology training in Michigan, this represents a solid middle-ground choice. The program won't catapult graduates to the top of the earnings ladder immediately, but it provides reliable entry into the field without the debt traps that plague some for-profit beauty schools. The consistent upward earnings trend and modest debt load create a foundation students can build on as they develop their skills and clientele.

Where L'esprit Academy Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How L'esprit Academy graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
L'esprit Academy$16,706$19,939+19%
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber School$20,460$25,241+23%
Paul Mitchell the School-Grand Rapids$18,410$24,204+31%
Paul Mitchell the School-Michigan$16,464$22,368+36%
Twin City Beauty College$18,009$21,363+19%

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (41 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
L'esprit AcademyCanton$16,706$19,939$9,8330.59
Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette$13,304$21,628$9,8330.45
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber SchoolSouthgate$20,460$25,241$10,5560.52
Paul Mitchell the School-Great LakesPort Huron$18,580$18,042$9,8330.53
Paul Mitchell the School-Grand RapidsKentwood$18,410$24,204$9,8330.53
Douglas J Aveda InstituteEast Lansing$18,082$21,047$9,8330.54
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At L'esprit Academy, approximately 45% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 142 graduates with reported earnings and 162 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.