Analysis
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.
Where MTI College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How MTI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTI College | $21,371 | $22,802 | +7% |
| Blake Austin College | $16,650 | $29,930 | +80% |
| Moler Barber College | $18,947 | $25,528 | +35% |
| The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose | $24,660 | $24,953 | +1% |
| Cinta Aveda Institute | $17,592 | $24,747 | +41% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 MTI CollegeSacramento | — | $21,371 | $22,802 | $10,550 | 0.49 |
 The Salon Professional Academy-San JoseSan Jose | — | $24,660 | $24,953 | $10,376 | 0.42 |
 San Jose City CollegeSan Jose | $1,366 | $23,253 | — | — | — |
 Institute of TechnologyClovis | — | $21,184 | — | $13,341 | 0.63 |
 Shasta School of CosmetologyRedding | — | $20,144 | — | — | — |
 California College of Barbering and CosmetologyStockton | — | $20,065 | — | $9,344 | 0.47 |
| 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 MTI College, approximately 41% 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 138 graduates with reported earnings and 157 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.