Cosmetology at Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield | $22,676 | $17,386 | $8,248 | 0.36 |
| Cutting Edge Academy | $19,411 | — | $9,833 | 0.51 |
| Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology | $18,519 | $22,163 | $6,211 | 0.34 |
| Empire Beauty School-Union | $18,408 | $20,474 | $15,765 | 0.86 |
| Empire Beauty School-Bloomfield | $18,408 | $20,474 | $15,765 | 0.86 |
| Shore Beauty School | $18,284 | $20,904 | $9,500 | 0.52 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.