Cosmetology at Palm Beach Academy of Health & Beauty

Graduates from this West Palm Beach program start at just $12,223—below even the school's own reported full-time poverty level for a single person—though earnings do climb to $17,285 by year four. While that 41% growth sounds encouraging, it still leaves graduates well behind: this program ranks in just the 10th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among Florida's 127 cosmetology programs. For context, nearby Palm Beach State College's cosmetology graduates earn $24,361 within the same timeframe, roughly 40% more.

The $9,500 debt load is close to the state median, but it becomes problematic when paired with first-year earnings of only $12,223. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 means graduates owe nearly 80% of their annual income, making loan repayment challenging even with income-driven plans. Two-thirds of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting most families can't absorb much financial setback.

The bottom line: Florida has dozens of cosmetology programs with stronger earning trajectories, including several public colleges where graduates start considerably higher. Unless location is absolutely non-negotiable, exploring alternatives like Palm Beach State or other Florida State College programs would likely deliver better financial outcomes for similar debt.