Cosmetology at Saint Paul College

Saint Paul College graduates are earning nearly double the national median for cosmetology programs—$32,987 in their first year compared to just $17,113 nationally. Even within Minnesota, where cosmetology training tends to perform better than in other states, this program ranks in the 80th percentile. By year four, earnings climb to $36,693, showing actual income growth rather than the stagnation common in beauty careers.

The debt sits at $14,250, which is higher than both the state median ($10,169) and national median ($9,862). However, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, graduates can realistically pay this off within a year or two of focused repayment—a stark contrast to many certificate programs where debt exceeds annual income. You're paying about $4,000 more than you would at comparable Minnesota schools, but the earnings premium appears to justify it. The gap between Saint Paul College and the state's top-earning program is only about $1,500 annually, yet you're substantially outperforming most competitors.

For families considering cosmetology training, this represents one of the stronger options available. The combination of above-average earnings, manageable debt load, and steady income growth suggests Saint Paul College's connections to higher-paying salons or better job placement may be delivering real value. With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, the program is serving working-class students while still producing strong outcomes.