Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,650
89th percentile
80th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$13,216
34% above national median

Analysis

Moler-Pickens graduates outpace 80% of cosmetology programs in Ohio, earning $27,450 four years out—significantly above the state median of $17,110. While first-year earnings start modest at $21,650, the 27% jump to year four suggests graduates build clientele and advance more successfully than typical beauty school alumni. The $13,216 in debt sits above the state median, but with a 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can realistically manage repayment once they're established. Two-thirds of students receive Pell grants, indicating this school serves working-class Ohioans who often face limited alternatives.

The premium pricing becomes less concerning when you consider outcomes: Moler-Pickens ranks among the top five cosmetology programs in the state, and graduates earn substantially more than the national median of $17,113. Unlike many beauty schools where earnings plateau quickly, the steady income growth here suggests the training translates into durable skills that command better pay as stylists gain experience.

For families in the Cincinnati area, this represents one of the stronger cosmetology investments in Ohio. The debt is manageable, the earnings trajectory is positive, and graduates demonstrably outperform most competitors. If your child is committed to beauty industry work, this program's track record justifies the cost.

Where Moler-Pickens Beauty Academy Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Moler-Pickens Beauty Academy graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Moler-Pickens Beauty Academy$21,650$27,450+27%
Aveda Fredric's Institute-Cincinnati$22,160$28,714+30%
The Spa School$20,256$26,524+31%
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology-South Dayton$16,806$24,029+43%
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology-North Dayton$16,806$24,029+43%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (59 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Moler-Pickens Beauty AcademyFairfield$21,650$27,450$13,2160.61
Paul Mitchell the School-ColumbusColumbus$23,788$21,934$13,8330.58
Salon Institute-Toledo CampusToledo$22,672$22,840$12,0000.53
Ohio State School of Cosmetology-Canal WinchesterCANAL WINCHESTER$22,637$17,614$11,1660.49
Aveda Fredric's Institute-CincinnatiWest Chester$22,160$28,714$9,8330.44
Summit Salon Academy-PerrysburgPerrysburg$21,819$19,376$11,1400.51
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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-Pickens Beauty Academy, approximately 66% 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 44 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.