Cosmetology at Rob Roy Academy-Fall River

Rob Roy Academy's cosmetology certificate produces graduates earning $18,364 in their first year—landing solidly in the middle of the pack both nationally and among Massachusetts schools. With $9,500 in typical debt, graduates face manageable loan payments relative to their starting wages, though it's worth noting the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means they're borrowing roughly half of what they'll earn that first year. The program serves a predominantly working-class student body, with 65% receiving Pell grants.

The challenge here isn't the program quality—it's the economics of the cosmetology field itself. Even the top-performing Massachusetts programs rarely push first-year earnings above $26,000, and Rob Roy sits right around the state median. For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether $18,000 in starting income is sustainable given local living costs in Fall River. The relatively modest debt load helps, as does Massachusetts' higher earning potential compared to many other states for cosmetology graduates.

This program won't fast-track anyone to financial independence, but it delivers what you'd expect from a mid-tier cosmetology school: professional credentials at a price that won't bury graduates in debt. For students passionate about the beauty industry and realistic about starting wages, Rob Roy provides adequate preparation without the debt burden that plagues some competitors.