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 Iowa

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (18 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
La James International College-Ft Dodge$24,749
Aveda Institute-Des Moines$27,081$32,913$12,0000.44
PCI Academy-Ames$24,178$29,405$10,5700.44
PCI Academy-Iowa City$24,178$29,405$10,5700.44
Capri College-Cedar Rapids$23,586$25,194$11,6810.50
La James College of Hairstyling and Cosmetology$23,313$18,405$8,5820.37
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Iowa

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Aveda Institute-Des Moines
West Des Moines
$27,081$12,000
PCI Academy-Ames
Ames
$24,178$10,570
PCI Academy-Iowa City
Iowa City
$24,178$10,570
Capri College-Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids
$23,586$11,681
La James College of Hairstyling and Cosmetology
Mason City
$23,313$8,582

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 La James International College-Ft Dodge, approximately 74% 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.