Cosmetology at New York School of Esthetics & Day Spa

New York School of Esthetics & Day Spa achieves something rare in cosmetology education: strong earnings with remarkably low debt. Graduates here start at $20,531—outperforming 80% of similar programs nationally and landing in the 60th percentile among New York's 46 cosmetology schools. More importantly, they carry just $6,625 in debt, roughly a third of what the typical cosmetology graduate owes. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means students owe less than four months of their first-year salary, a manageable burden that lets them keep more of what they earn in an industry where many graduates struggle under $10,000+ in loans.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story too: median pay climbs 24% by year four to $25,426, suggesting graduates build sustainable careers rather than hitting an immediate ceiling. While the school doesn't crack the top five in New York, it delivers better value than most by balancing solid income potential with minimal financial risk. With over half the students receiving Pell grants, this school appears to serve a working-class population effectively.

For parents considering cosmetology programs, this represents a smart choice—your child won't enter the beauty industry drowning in debt, and the earnings here position them above the vast majority of their peers nationally. It's not the highest-paying option in New York, but the debt-to-earnings equation makes it one of the safest bets.