Cosmetology at Phagans School of Beauty

Phagans School of Beauty graduates see their earnings jump nearly 30% between years one and four—an unusually strong growth trajectory for cosmetology programs, where many graduates plateau early. Starting at $20,537, students climb to $26,465 by year four, placing this program in the 80th percentile nationally and ahead of most Oregon competitors except Summit Salon Academy and Aveda Institute. For a field where the national median sits at just $17,113, these outcomes represent solid footing.

The $11,969 in median debt translates to about seven months of first-year earnings—manageable in an industry where many students borrow more for less promising outcomes. While this isn't the cheapest Oregon cosmetology program (the state median debt is $10,743), you're paying modestly more for earnings that outpace 60% of in-state alternatives. The 65% Pell grant rate suggests the school successfully serves students who need financial aid without saddling them with crushing debt.

For parents concerned about return on investment in beauty school, this program offers a practical path: reasonable debt, above-average starting earnings, and—crucially—meaningful income growth over the first four years. Just know you're not getting Portland's top-tier earnings unless you're willing to pay more or commute.