Cosmetology at La James International College-Johnston

La James International College-Johnston graduates start at roughly the national median for cosmetology programs but earn significantly less than typical Iowa graduates in the field. While first-year earnings of $17,464 rank in the 40th percentile statewide, they trail the Iowa median by nearly $3,000—a meaningful gap when peer Iowa programs like Aveda Institute-Des Moines produce graduates earning $27,000+. The debt load of $9,116 is below both state and national averages, but it still represents about 6 months of first-year income.

The positive story here is earnings momentum: graduates see 35% income growth to $23,582 by year four, bringing them closer to the state median. This suggests the program builds foundational skills that translate into better earning potential as stylists develop their client base and technique. More than half of students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves lower-income students looking for accessible career training.

For Iowa families, this represents a budget-conscious entry into cosmetology, but not necessarily the strongest one. Your child would graduate with manageable debt but would likely need several years to reach the earnings their peers at top Iowa programs achieve immediately. If cost is the primary concern, this works. If maximizing early earning potential matters, compare closely with programs like Capri or La James College of Hairstyling, where graduates start $6,000 higher.