Cosmetology at Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc-Boardman

Graduates from this Boardman cosmetology program earn $12,380 in their first year—roughly $5,000 below what typical Ohio cosmetology graduates make. That gap matters: while the state's top programs see graduates earning over $22,000, this program lands in the bottom quarter statewide. For context, $12,380 amounts to about $1,030 per month before taxes, which would require careful financial planning or supplemental income to cover basic living expenses.

The debt load of $9,590 seems manageable at first glance, but it becomes problematic when paired with these earnings. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 means graduates owe nearly nine months' worth of their annual income—a difficult position when working on commission or hourly wages typical in the beauty industry. Many Ohio cosmetology schools achieve better outcomes: programs in Columbus, Toledo, and Cincinnati regularly produce graduates earning $22,000-24,000 with similar or even lower debt burdens.

If your child is committed to cosmetology in the Youngstown area, understand they'll likely need to supplement their income initially or be prepared to relocate to higher-paying markets. The 59% Pell grant rate suggests many students here face financial constraints, but that makes the earnings gap even more concerning. Consider whether driving to a Toledo or Columbus program might yield better returns, or whether exploring apprenticeship opportunities could build the same skills without the debt.