Cosmetology at National Beauty College

National Beauty College graduates start earning below both state and national medians—landing in the 40th percentile among Ohio cosmetology programs—but the debt burden tells the more worrisome story. At $14,750, students here carry 27% more debt than the typical Ohio cosmetology graduate and 50% more than the national median. That creates an immediate strain: new graduates owe nearly a full year's earnings, which is particularly tight when you're making $16,763 annually.

The 37% earnings growth over four years offers some relief, bringing graduates to $22,987—roughly on par with Ohio's stronger programs. But this still means several years of tight finances while carrying above-average debt. Compare this to Ohio State School of Cosmetology-Canal Winchester, where graduates start at similar debt levels but earn $22,637 right out of the gate, or Paul Mitchell-Columbus, where earnings reach $23,788 in year one.

For families looking at Canton options, this program's value depends heavily on your child's financial cushion during those early years. Half of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting many families stretch to afford this training. Unless your child has minimal living expenses or additional income sources, that debt-to-earnings mismatch in year one could force difficult choices. Programs just 30 minutes north in Akron or an hour northwest in Toledo show it's possible to enter the same career with significantly less debt or higher starting pay—worth the commute for most students.