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

Raphael's School of Beauty Culture graduates earn about $2,000 less annually than Ohio's median for cosmetology programs, ranking in the 40th percentile statewide—below average but not dramatically so. With first-year earnings of $15,266 and $11,000 in debt, graduates face a relatively manageable debt load compared to their income, though the low absolute earnings create tight financial circumstances regardless of the ratio. Compare this to top-performing Ohio programs where graduates earn $22,000-24,000 annually—that's an extra $7,000-9,000 per year, which compounds significantly over a career.

The program does keep debt close to state norms ($11,000 vs. $11,583 median), which prevents the situation from becoming worse. However, nearly 60% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many families are already financially stretched and counting on reasonable post-graduation earnings. When entry-level cosmetology earnings are this low, every dollar of debt matters more.

For families considering this program, the question is whether slightly below-average outcomes justify the investment when notably stronger Ohio programs exist. If location in Niles is critical, understand that you're trading convenience for several thousand dollars in annual earning potential. If mobility is an option, programs in Columbus, Toledo, or Cincinnati deliver substantially better returns on a similar debt load.