Median Earnings (1yr)
$22,676
95th percentile (80th in NJ)
Median Debt
$8,248
16% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.36
Manageable
Sample Size
71
Adequate data

Analysis

Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield graduates earn significantly more than their peers—outperforming 95% of cosmetology programs nationally and ranking in the 80th percentile among New Jersey schools. At $22,676 in the first year, graduates earn $5,500 more than the typical cosmetology certificate holder and about $6,000 above the New Jersey median. The debt load of $8,248 is manageable, coming in slightly below both state and national averages, making this one of the better value propositions in cosmetology education.

The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: by year four, median income drops to $17,386, a 23% decline. This likely reflects the reality of cosmetology careers—many graduates may transition to part-time work, change fields, or face the challenges of building a client base in competitive markets. However, even with this decline, graduates still match the national median for the field.

For families considering cosmetology careers, this program offers a stronger-than-average start with relatively low debt. The initial earning advantage gives graduates breathing room to build their careers, whether that means establishing a chair rental business, developing a loyal clientele, or exploring other paths in the beauty industry. The first-year performance suggests the school provides solid technical training and perhaps better job placement support than most competitors.

Where Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North PlainfieldOther cosmetology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield graduates compare to all programs nationally

Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield graduates earn $23k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (24 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield$22,676$17,386$8,2480.36
Cutting Edge Academy$19,411—$9,8330.51
Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology$18,519$22,163$6,2110.34
Empire Beauty School-Union$18,408$20,474$15,7650.86
Empire Beauty School-Bloomfield$18,408$20,474$15,7650.86
Shore Beauty School$18,284$20,904$9,5000.52
National Median$17,113—$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in New Jersey

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Cutting Edge Academy
Succasunna
—$19,411$9,833
Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology
Wayne
—$18,519$6,211
Empire Beauty School-Union
Union
—$18,408$15,765
Empire Beauty School-Bloomfield
Bloomfield
—$18,408$15,765
Shore Beauty School
Egg Harbor Township
—$18,284$9,500

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 71 graduates with reported earnings and 96 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.