Cosmetology at Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee Area Technical College's cosmetology program performs in the top 5% nationally but lands in the middle of Wisconsin's competitive beauty school landscape. With first-year earnings of $23,198, graduates earn 36% more than the national median for cosmetology programs—yet several Wisconsin schools, including Waukesha County Technical College and The Institute of Beauty and Wellness, report earnings roughly $2,000-$4,000 higher. The 60th percentile state ranking suggests you're getting solid results, but not necessarily the strongest in-state option.

The financial picture is manageable: $10,500 in debt against nearly $24,000 in first-year earnings creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, which is reasonable for vocational training. Earnings grow modestly to $24,929 by year four—an 8% increase that reflects steady career progression rather than dramatic income growth. For a field where location and clientele matter enormously, these numbers represent a stable start rather than exceptional outcomes.

If your child is committed to cosmetology and you're staying in the Milwaukee area, this program delivers solid training without crushing debt. However, if they're willing to commute or relocate within Wisconsin, programs like Waukesha County Technical College show meaningfully higher graduate earnings. The choice depends largely on proximity and whether an extra $3,000-$4,000 in annual earnings justifies different location logistics.