Cosmetology at North Adrian's College of Beauty Inc

North Adrian's College of Beauty graduates earn slightly above California's median for cosmetology programs—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—but that's modest consolation when median earnings barely reach $17,000. While the debt load of $11,718 is manageable compared to many programs, it still represents nearly nine months of take-home pay. More troubling is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn less four years out than they do in their first year, dropping to $15,880. In an industry where building a clientele should increase income over time, this decline suggests graduates may struggle to establish themselves or retain clients.

The 44% Pell grant rate indicates many students here are using federal aid to finance training that leads to below-poverty-level wages. Compare this to top California programs where graduates earn $20,000-$25,000 annually—that $5,000-$8,000 difference compounds significantly over a career. Even within cosmetology's constrained earning potential, clearer opportunities exist at schools like The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose or MTI College.

For families banking on cosmetology as a career path, this program delivers credentials at a real cost—both financial and in terms of opportunity. The investment might make sense for someone with guaranteed salon placement or existing connections, but as a standalone credential for launching a beauty career, the numbers suggest looking at higher-performing programs first.