Cosmetology at LaBarberia Institute of Hair

The numbers from LaBarberia Institute tell a troubling story: graduates earn just $11,561 in their first year—well below Ohio's median of $17,110 for cosmetology programs—and their earnings actually decline to $10,008 by year four. This program ranks in the bottom 10th percentile statewide, meaning 90% of Ohio cosmetology programs produce better outcomes. Meanwhile, the $20,000 in median debt is nearly double the state median and means graduates owe roughly twice what they earn in their first year.

The comparison to other Ohio schools is stark. The top cosmetology programs in the state see graduates earning $22,000-$24,000 annually—more than double LaBarberia's outcomes. Even accounting for regional differences within Ohio, this performance gap is significant and suggests something isn't working in how this program prepares students for employment or connects them with higher-paying salon opportunities.

For parents considering this investment, the math is unforgiving: $20,000 in debt on a $10,000-$12,000 annual income creates real financial hardship. Unless your child has a guaranteed position at a high-volume salon or plans to open their own business quickly, this program's cost-to-outcome ratio makes it difficult to recommend when stronger alternatives exist throughout Ohio at similar or lower debt levels.