Cosmetology at Phagans Medford Beauty School

Phagans Medford Beauty School graduates earn just $13,833 in their first year—about $4,500 below Oregon's median for cosmetology programs and nearly $3,300 below the national average. Among Oregon's 18 cosmetology schools, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable state programs deliver better outcomes. The gap is stark when you look at similar schools: graduates from other Phagans locations in Oregon earn $20,537 and $19,966, while nearby Portland schools like Summit Salon Academy place graduates earning over $27,000.

The $12,000 in typical debt isn't catastrophic on its own—it's close to state and national medians—but it becomes problematic when paired with such limited earning power. A debt load that nearly equals annual income creates real financial strain, especially in a field where building a client base takes time. With 74% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already stretched thin financially.

For parents considering this investment, the data suggests looking elsewhere in Oregon. Multiple cosmetology programs in the state deliver meaningfully better results for similar or lower debt. Unless location in Medford is non-negotiable, Portland-area schools offer substantially stronger earnings trajectories that would make the training investment pay off faster.