Cosmetology at PCI Academy-Ames

PCI Academy-Ames produces some of the highest-earning cosmetology graduates in the country, with first-year earnings of $24,178 placing them in the 95th percentile nationally—well above the typical $17,113. Within Iowa's competitive cosmetology market, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, meaning graduates earn more than most Iowa programs but trail the top performers like Aveda Institute-Des Moines. The $10,570 debt load is reasonable for the field, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, and the 22% earnings growth by year four suggests graduates build stable careers rather than hitting an immediate ceiling.

What makes this program particularly noteworthy is the combination of strong outcomes with relatively modest debt. While Iowa students have several good cosmetology options, PCI Academy-Ames ties with its Iowa City campus for second-highest earnings in the state, and the debt burden sits right at the state median. For a field where many programs nationally leave graduates earning under $18,000, PCI's track record shows they're preparing students who can command higher wages in the job market.

For parents evaluating cosmetology programs in Iowa, PCI Academy-Ames represents a strong choice—not the absolute top earner, but offering excellent value with earnings that exceed both state and national norms by comfortable margins. The program's robust sample size confirms these aren't fluky numbers.