Cosmetology at Summit Salon Academy-Kokomo

Summit Salon Academy-Kokomo graduates start at $17,556—just above the national median but falling short of Indiana's typical $18,592. More concerning is the trajectory: earnings slip to $16,507 by year four, representing a 6% decline when most workers expect growth. This places the program in the 40th percentile among Indiana's 28 cosmetology schools, meaning six out of ten competitors deliver better outcomes. The state's top programs—like Aveda Fredric's Institute and Paul Mitchell Indianapolis—generate earnings 35-40% higher, suggesting significant differences in training quality, salon placement networks, or regional market access.

The $9,833 debt load is manageable at first glance, taking about seven months of gross earnings to repay. However, paired with declining earnings, this becomes trickier: graduates are earning less in year four than year one, making that debt relatively heavier over time. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means this pattern is reliable enough to warrant attention.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether Kokomo's local salon market justifies the investment when Indianapolis-area schools consistently produce stronger outcomes. If staying local is essential and your child has strong entrepreneurial plans or family connections in the industry, this could work. Otherwise, the extra commute to a top-performing Indianapolis program could mean an additional $6,000-7,000 in annual earnings—enough to offset travel costs within the first year.