Cosmetology at La James International College-Davenport

La James International College-Davenport graduates start behind their Iowa peers but show impressive momentum. First-year earnings of $18,120 trail the state median by about $2,000, placing this program in the 40th percentile among Iowa's 18 cosmetology schools. However, the 26% earnings growth to $22,867 by year four suggests graduates build clientele and skills steadily—a pattern that matters in an industry where earnings typically depend on building a loyal customer base.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $12,751, it's slightly above state averages but still manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70. For perspective, Aveda Institute-Des Moines graduates earn $27,081 initially, nearly 50% more, though their debt loads would need investigation. With 63% of students receiving Pell grants, La James serves a predominantly working-class population who may benefit from the relatively low debt despite modest starting wages.

The tradeoff here is straightforward—this program costs less than some alternatives but produces lower initial earnings than top Iowa schools. Parents should weigh whether the lower debt justifies starting $5,000-$9,000 behind programs like Aveda or PCI Academy. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates can catch up, but those first couple years will be financially tight. If staying close to Davenport matters or if minimizing debt is critical, this works. If maximizing early earning power is the priority, other Iowa programs deliver stronger results right out of the gate.