Cosmetology at Shore Beauty School
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Shore Beauty School graduates earn nearly $3,600 more than the typical New Jersey cosmetology program graduate—a meaningful premium in a field where most programs hover around $17,000. At 60th percentile both statewide and nationally, this school consistently outperforms most competitors while keeping debt manageable at $9,500. That's actually below the national median, though slightly above New Jersey's state average.
The earnings trajectory here is worth noting: graduates see steady growth from $18,284 to $20,904 over four years, suggesting this program prepares students to build their client base and advance in the industry. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means a graduate earning the median would spend about half their first year's income repaying loans—not insignificant, but workable in a profession where income can grow with experience and reputation.
For families concerned about cosmetology education costs, Shore Beauty School delivers better-than-average outcomes without the premium price tag of top-tier competitors like Robert Fiance (whose graduates earn $22,676 but may carry higher debt). With 69% of students receiving Pell grants and solid job market results, this represents a practical entry point into the beauty industry for students committed to building a career in the field.
Where Shore Beauty School 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 Shore Beauty School graduates compare to all programs nationally
Shore Beauty School graduates earn $18k, placing them in the 60th 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shore Beauty School | $18,284 | $20,904 | $9,500 | 0.52 |
| 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-Bloomfield | $18,408 | $20,474 | $15,765 | 0.86 |
| Empire Beauty School-Union | $18,408 | $20,474 | $15,765 | 0.86 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-North Plainfield North Plainfield | — | $22,676 | $8,248 |
| Cutting Edge Academy Succasunna | — | $19,411 | $9,833 |
| Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology Wayne | — | $18,519 | $6,211 |
| Empire Beauty School-Bloomfield Bloomfield | — | $18,408 | $15,765 |
| Empire Beauty School-Union Union | — | $18,408 | $15,765 |
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 Shore Beauty School, approximately 69% 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 116 graduates with reported earnings and 128 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.