Cosmetology at Nova Academy of Cosmetology

Nova Academy of Cosmetology's Rochester location produces earnings that put graduates near the top nationally—95th percentile—but the story shifts when you look closer to home. At $25,754 in first-year earnings, graduates here earn more than the typical cosmetology program graduate nationwide ($17,113), yet they fall to the 60th percentile among Minnesota's 17 cosmetology schools. In a state where several programs place graduates earning $30,000+, this represents solid middle-tier performance rather than exceptional value.

The financials work reasonably well: $9,999 in median debt translates to a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, and earnings show modest but steady growth to $27,175 by year four. That's reassuring stability in a field where income can plateau quickly. With 38% of students receiving Pell grants, the program clearly serves working-class families looking for accessible career training.

For a Minnesota family, the calculation is straightforward. This program costs about what you'd pay elsewhere in the state while delivering middle-of-the-pack earnings—not a bad deal, but Saint Paul College graduates earn $7,000 more annually right out of the gate. If location matters and Rochester fits your life, this is a financially sound choice. If you have flexibility, comparing outcomes at the state's top-performing programs could be worth the drive.