Cosmetology at Metro Beauty Academy

Metro Beauty Academy graduates are earning significantly more than typical cosmetology program graduates—landing in the 80th percentile among Pennsylvania's 60 cosmetology schools and 86th percentile nationally. At $21,226 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $5,000 more than the state median and $4,100 above the national median. Among Pennsylvania programs, this ranks just behind the top-performing schools like Penn Commercial ($20,871) and South Hills Beauty Academy ($20,852).

The debt load here sits right at Pennsylvania's median for cosmetology programs ($13,381 vs. $13,308 statewide), though it's higher than the national typical debt of $9,862. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 is manageable—graduates owe about eight months' salary, which is reasonable given the higher earning potential. The earnings stability over four years (essentially flat with a modest 3% increase) is typical for cosmetology careers, where income depends heavily on building a client base and tip generation rather than traditional wage progression.

For families considering this investment, Metro Beauty Academy appears to deliver what you're paying for: above-average job placement and earning outcomes in a competitive Pennsylvania market. The premium debt is offset by premium earnings, making this a solid choice if your child is committed to a cosmetology career in the Allentown area.