Cosmetology at Salon Success Academy-Riverside

Salon Success Academy-Riverside's cosmetology program places graduates near the middle of California's competitive beauty education market—right at the state median for earnings—but with debt levels that exceed the state average by 51%. First-year earnings of $14,566 trail the national median by nearly $2,500, and by year four, graduates actually earn less than when they started. This backward slide is particularly concerning in an industry where building a client base typically leads to higher income over time.

The program does keep debt manageable at $13,304, notably lower than the national median, and the debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0 means most graduates should be able to manage their monthly payments. However, context matters: California's top cosmetology programs—like The Salon Professional Academy in San Jose or San Jose City College—place graduates earning $24,000 to $23,000 annually, nearly double what Riverside graduates make. Even accounting for regional cost differences, that gap is substantial.

For families considering this program, the key question is location. If staying in Riverside is essential and your student is committed to cosmetology, the manageable debt makes this a possible option. But if they're willing to relocate or commute, California offers dozens of programs with significantly better earnings outcomes for similar or even lower debt loads.