Cosmetology at Northeastern Junior College

Northeastern Junior College's cosmetology program produces graduates earning $22,488 their first year—significantly above the national median of $17,113 and placing in the 95th percentile nationally. However, context matters: this same outcome lands only at the 60th percentile among Colorado programs, where the median is already $20,014. While graduates here earn more than their peers in most states, they're still trailing the top Colorado programs by $2,500 to $4,500 annually.

The $8,500 in typical debt is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38—meaning graduates owe about five months' worth of first-year income. That's workable for a career where building a client base takes time, though it's worth noting the program carries slightly higher debt than the state median of $9,832. The 37% Pell Grant rate suggests the program serves many students who need affordable pathways into the beauty industry.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so outcomes could vary considerably for future students. For a Colorado family, this program offers solid earnings potential compared to national standards, but it's middle-of-the-pack within the state. If proximity to Sterling matters or if your student values the junior college environment, this works. If maximizing early earnings is the priority, Denver-area programs show a clear advantage.