Cosmetology at My Le's Beauty College

My Le's Beauty College graduates start at $17,980—outperforming both Louisiana's state median ($15,617) and the national median for cosmetology programs. That's a meaningful advantage in a field where every thousand dollars matters, and with $9,000 in debt, graduates face manageable loan payments relative to their starting income. The school serves primarily Pell Grant students (70%), making these outcomes particularly noteworthy.

The concerning part is what happens next: earnings drop to $15,647 by year four, a 13% decline that erases the initial advantage. This backward trajectory isn't unusual in beauty services—stylists often earn less as independent contractors than as commissioned employees, or they reduce hours for lifestyle reasons—but it complicates the financial picture. At least graduates enter with less debt than the Louisiana average ($12,886), giving them some cushion during leaner years.

For parents of students passionate about cosmetology, this program clears the basic bar: lower debt than most Louisiana competitors and first-year earnings that support loan repayment. Just understand that the income peak comes immediately after graduation rather than building over time. If your child plans to eventually own a salon or work in upscale markets, the initial training here provides a foundation without crushing debt. For someone seeking steadily growing wages, the earnings pattern tells a different story.