Cosmetology at Nova Academy of Cosmetology Woodbury

Nova Academy of Cosmetology Woodbury graduates earn 44% more than the typical cosmetology certificate holder nationwide—a substantial premium that puts this program in the 95th percentile nationally. With first-year earnings of $24,617 and manageable debt of just over $10,000, graduates face a debt load equal to less than half their first-year salary, one of the better financial pictures you'll find in beauty school programs. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting this program successfully serves students from modest economic backgrounds.

Within Minnesota, the picture is more competitive but still solid. The program sits right at the state median for earnings, trailing a handful of schools like Saint Paul College but matching most others. What's encouraging is the 14% earnings growth through year four—reaching $28,029—which suggests graduates build sustainable careers rather than churning out quickly. Minnesota's cosmetology market appears healthier overall than most states, with even median programs here outperforming the vast majority of programs nationally.

For a career field where many programs leave graduates earning barely enough to service their loans, this represents a genuine success story. Your child would enter a licensed profession with reasonable debt and earning potential that exceeds most of their national peers from day one.