Cosmetology at MTI College

MTI College's cosmetology program stands out sharply in California's crowded beauty school landscape. While the state median for cosmetology graduates is just $14,600, MTI graduates earn $21,371 in their first year—that's nearly 50% more. Among the 130 California schools offering this program, MTI ranks in the 80th percentile for earnings, placing it among the state's top 25 programs. Nationally, it performs even better, reaching the 87th percentile.

The financial structure makes sense for a technical credential: $10,550 in median debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, meaning graduates owe about half their first-year salary. While that's higher than some California programs that keep debt closer to $8,800, the premium appears justified by significantly better earnings outcomes. Graduates see steady income growth, with earnings climbing 7% to $22,802 by year four—a positive sign that skills learned here translate to stable career progression in salons and spas.

For families weighing beauty school options in Sacramento, MTI delivers measurably better employment outcomes than most California alternatives. The earnings premium over typical California cosmetology programs—roughly $7,000 annually—would recover the extra debt in about two years. With a robust sample of 100+ graduates backing these numbers, this represents a reliable data point rather than a statistical fluke.