Cosmetology at Northwest College-Clackamas

With over 1,500 cosmetology programs nationwide, Northwest College-Clackamas performs solidly in the middle of the pack, ranking in the 60th percentile both nationally and within Oregon. The $18,371 starting salary exceeds the national median by about $1,200, while the $10,743 debt load sits close to typical levels. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.58—meaning graduates owe roughly seven months of their first-year earnings.

The 24% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, bringing median pay to nearly $23,000 by year four. However, Oregon has notably stronger cosmetology programs available. Summit Salon Academy leads the state at $27,110 in first-year earnings—nearly $9,000 more than Northwest College-Clackamas. Even mid-tier competitors like Phagans schools offer $1,000-2,000 higher starting salaries for similar debt levels.

For families considering cosmetology training, this program offers reasonable preparation without excessive debt burden, but it's not the strongest option in Oregon's competitive landscape. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes, and the high percentage of Pell recipients suggests the school serves working-class students well. If your child is committed to this field and this location works logistically, the numbers are workable—just know that higher-earning alternatives exist within the state.