Cosmetology at Larry's Barber College

Larry's Barber College graduates earn roughly 30% less than the typical cosmetology program graduate in Illinois—and that's before considering the concerning debt picture. While first-year earnings of $12,461 place this program in just the 10th percentile statewide, the debt load sits in the 95th percentile nationally at $3,726. That combination puts graduates at a significant disadvantage compared to the 71 other cosmetology programs across Illinois, where the median graduate earns $17,832. Top-performing Illinois programs like University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology see graduates earning nearly double what Larry's students make.

The low debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 might appear manageable on paper, but the underlying math reveals the problem: both numbers are extremely low. At $12,461 annually, graduates are earning barely above minimum wage for full-time work, suggesting many may be working part-time or facing difficulty finding steady clients. The 92% Pell Grant rate indicates this serves primarily low-income students who can least afford to start their careers with below-market earnings.

Your child could attend dozens of other Illinois cosmetology programs with similar or lower tuition costs that lead to significantly better earning outcomes. Unless there's a compelling geographic reason to choose this specific location, this program doesn't compete effectively with alternatives in the state.