Cosmetology at Northwest College-Tualatin

Northwest College-Tualatin's cosmetology program produces graduates earning exactly the Oregon median of $18,371 in their first year, which sounds modest but actually outperforms 60% of similar programs nationally. At $10,743 in debt, students face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58—meaning they borrow about seven months' worth of first-year income, which is reasonable for a trade program.

The program's strength lies in steady earnings growth, with graduates seeing a 24% income increase by year four to $22,752. While this trails top Oregon programs like Summit Salon Academy ($27,110) and Aveda Institute ($21,907), it delivers solid middle-tier performance with below-average debt levels. The 45% Pell Grant recipient rate indicates the program serves students from diverse economic backgrounds who need affordable career training.

For parents considering this investment, the numbers work: graduates can realistically manage their debt payments while building cosmetology careers. The program won't produce the highest earners in Oregon's beauty industry, but it provides a dependable path into the field without excessive borrowing. Given cosmetology's entrepreneurial potential—many graduates eventually open their own salons—this foundation could prove more valuable than the initial earnings suggest.