Cosmetology at Stewart School

Stewart School's cosmetology program delivers earnings that outpace 95% of similar programs nationwide—a standout result in a field where most schools struggle to reach $20,000 in first-year earnings. The $22,684 starting salary climbs to $25,636 by year four, showing consistent career progression. With just $8,863 in debt, graduates face a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below concerning thresholds. This combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt (relative to national cosmetology benchmarks) creates a notably favorable financial picture.

The South Dakota context adds nuance: while Stewart ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, that's because SD cosmetology programs generally perform well—the state median of $21,552 already exceeds the national median by 26%. Stewart's earnings trail only The Salon Professional Academy among Sioux Falls-area schools, putting it among the state's stronger options. The program's debt load runs about $2,800 below the South Dakota median, another advantage for graduates.

For parents concerned about ROI in cosmetology training, Stewart represents a low-risk investment. The modest debt requires roughly five months of earnings to repay, and graduates enter a career with demonstrable income growth rather than the stagnation seen at many beauty schools. The combination of strong placement outcomes and conservative borrowing makes this one of the field's more financially sensible pathways.