Cosmetology at Skin Science Institute

Utah's cosmetology market offers significantly higher earnings than the national average—$20,460 vs. $17,113 nationally—but Skin Science Institute's graduates land below that state median at $18,777. More concerning, while most cosmetology programs see income grow with experience, earnings here slip to $17,919 by year four. Among 32 Utah programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile, with top programs like Top Nails & Hair and Medspa Academies placing graduates who earn $25,000-$27,000 annually.

The $9,283 debt load is manageable at half of first-year earnings, matching both state and national benchmarks. With only 15% of students receiving Pell grants, the school appears to serve fewer low-income students than typical cosmetology programs. For a field where building a client base and skills should boost income over time, the backward trajectory raises questions about career sustainability for graduates.

If your child is committed to cosmetology in Utah, compare the curriculum and salon placement support here against programs whose graduates earn 30-40% more in the same market. The debt won't bury them, but starting in the bottom half of Utah programs makes building a viable career harder than necessary.