Cosmetology at Pivot Point Academy

Pivot Point Academy's cosmetology program ranks solidly above average but falls short of Illinois's top-performing schools. Graduates earn $22,969 four years out—about $5,000 more than the state median and roughly 30% above the national average. Among Illinois's 71 cosmetology programs, this lands in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most competitors but trails schools like University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology by nearly $1,500 annually.

The $9,833 in debt is essentially identical to both state and national medians, requiring about six months of gross earnings to repay. That's manageable in this field, though the first-year salary of $19,088 means graduates will likely need to budget carefully while establishing their client base. The 20% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests steady career progression as stylists build their reputation and clientele.

For families committed to cosmetology, this program offers a reasonable path forward—above-average outcomes without exceptional debt. However, if your student has flexibility in location within Illinois, several schools demonstrate that significantly higher earnings are achievable in this same field. The difference between $23,000 and $24,000+ annually matters when starting salaries are this modest.