Cosmetology at La James College of Hairstyling and Cosmetology

La James College of Hairstyling in Mason City posts impressive first-year earnings of $23,313—well above Iowa's median of $20,226 for cosmetology programs and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. The $8,582 in typical debt is also more manageable than the state average. For a cosmetology certificate, these are strong numbers that should position graduates well in the local job market.

The concern here is the earnings trajectory. By year four, median earnings drop to $18,405, a 21% decline that's unusual even for an industry where many professionals eventually open their own businesses or work reduced schedules. Whether this reflects graduates moving, changing careers, or adjusting their hours is unclear from the data alone. The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means a few individual career paths could be skewing the overall picture significantly.

For an anxious parent, the takeaway is mixed: your child would start with earnings that beat most Iowa cosmetology programs and carry reasonable debt. But understand that cosmetology income can be volatile and highly dependent on individual hustle, client-building, and sometimes transitioning to booth rental or ownership. The strong starting point suggests quality training, but long-term financial success in this field rarely follows a predictable upward path.