Cosmetology at Long Island Nail Skin & Hair Institute

Long Island Nail Skin & Hair Institute keeps debt manageable at $6,333—well below both state and national medians—but graduates start at just $15,644, placing them below average for New York cosmetology programs. The good news is that earnings jump 37% by year four to $21,484, suggesting graduates build their client base and skills over time. That's a meaningful trajectory in an industry where experience and reputation drive income.

The tradeoff here is clear: lower upfront debt versus slower early earnings. While top New York programs see graduates earning $22,000+ right away, this program's graduates need a few years to reach similar levels. The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means you'd owe about five months of first-year income—not crushing, but the low starting salary still makes those early years financially tight. For context, this program ranks in the 40th percentile among New York cosmetology schools, meaning six in ten programs produce better initial outcomes.

For families comfortable with a slower build, the low debt load makes this viable. But if your child needs to earn more immediately—whether for living expenses or to avoid additional loans—programs that start closer to $22,000 would likely serve better, even if they cost slightly more upfront.