Analysis
Moler Barber College graduates are earning substantially more than typical California cosmetology program completers—ranking in the 80th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $18,947. That's nearly $4,400 above California's median for these programs, and the trajectory improves over time with 35% earnings growth by year four. This performance is particularly noteworthy given that over half of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves students from lower-income backgrounds while delivering above-average outcomes.
The debt picture strengthens this program's value proposition. At $14,518, graduates borrow moderately more than the state median, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 means a typical graduate's debt equals less than 10 months of earnings—manageable territory for a certificate program. More importantly, that debt is funding access to a field where Moler graduates consistently outperform their peers across the state.
For parents weighing vocational programs in California's competitive beauty industry, Moler demonstrates clear differentiation. While it doesn't match the very top programs like The Salon Professional Academy's $24,660 outcomes, it delivers reliable earnings growth and ranks among the stronger options in the Bay Area. The combination of reasonable debt, above-average starting salaries, and meaningful income progression over four years makes this a solid investment for students committed to cosmetology careers.
Where Moler Barber College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Moler Barber College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moler Barber College | $18,947 | $25,528 | +35% |
| Blake Austin College | $16,650 | $29,930 | +80% |
| The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose | $24,660 | $24,953 | +1% |
| Cinta Aveda Institute | $17,592 | $24,747 | +41% |
| San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc | $19,002 | $23,928 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (130 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $18,947 | $25,528 | $14,518 | 0.77 | |
| — | $24,660 | $24,953 | $10,376 | 0.42 | |
| $1,366 | $23,253 | — | — | — | |
| — | $21,371 | $22,802 | $10,550 | 0.49 | |
| — | $21,184 | — | $13,341 | 0.63 | |
| — | $20,144 | — | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Moler Barber College, approximately 56% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 124 graduates with reported earnings and 157 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.