Median Earnings (1yr)
$22,676
95th percentile
80th percentile in New Jersey
Median Debt
$8,248
16% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield$22,676$17,386-23%
Artistic Academy of Hair Design$17,274$27,036+57%
Innovate Salon Academy$16,420$23,390+42%
Innovate Salon Academy$16,420$23,390+42%
Parisian Beauty School$15,517$22,644+46%

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

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

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

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.