Median Earnings (1yr)
$16,706
45th percentile (60th in MI)
Median Debt
$9,833
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.59
Manageable
Sample Size
142
Adequate data

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

L'esprit AcademyOther cosmetology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How L'esprit Academy graduates compare to all programs nationally

L'esprit Academy graduates earn $17k, placing them in the 45th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
L'esprit Academy$16,706$19,939$9,8330.59
Northern Michigan University$21,628—$9,8330.45
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber School$20,460$25,241$10,5560.52
Paul Mitchell the School-Great Lakes$18,580$18,042$9,8330.53
Paul Mitchell the School-Grand Rapids$18,410$24,204$9,8330.53
Douglas J Aveda Institute$18,082$21,047$9,8330.54
National Median$17,113—$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Northern Michigan University
Marquette
$13,304$21,628$9,833
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber School
Southgate
—$20,460$10,556
Paul Mitchell the School-Great Lakes
Port Huron
—$18,580$9,833
Paul Mitchell the School-Grand Rapids
Kentwood
—$18,410$9,833
Douglas J Aveda Institute
East Lansing
—$18,082$9,833

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.