Cosmetology at Opelousas School of Cosmetology

With just $12,711 in first-year earnings, Opelousas School of Cosmetology ranks in the bottom quarter of Louisiana's 43 cosmetology programs—$3,000 below the state median and nearly $7,000 behind the top-performing schools in Louisiana. While the $5,797 in debt is lower than many cosmetology programs carry, it still represents nearly half a year's earnings, making it difficult to pay down quickly on a barely-above-minimum-wage income. The school serves a predominantly low-income population (79% receive Pell grants), but these outcomes suggest graduates are struggling to convert their training into viable salon earnings.

The earnings gap matters practically: the difference between this program and schools like VH Barber & Styling Academy ($19,545) is roughly $7,000 annually—money that could cover rent, transportation, or faster debt repayment. Small sample size means these numbers might not reflect the full picture, but when a program ranks in the 13th percentile nationally, that's a concerning signal regardless of cohort size.

For families considering this investment, the core question is whether $5,797 in debt is worth entering the workforce thousands below what other Louisiana cosmetology graduates earn. Unless there are compelling geographic or personal reasons to attend this specific school, other Louisiana programs appear to position graduates for stronger earning potential in the same field.