Cosmetology at Summit Salon Academy-Perrysburg

Summit Salon Academy-Perrysburg graduates earn nearly $5,000 more than the typical Ohio cosmetology program graduate, placing this program in the 80th percentile statewide and 91st percentile nationally. That's impressive positioning in a crowded field of 59 Ohio programs, and it translates to real purchasing power for recent graduates. The $11,140 in median debt is reasonable—roughly half a year's starting salary—and actually below the state median for cosmetology programs.

The challenge here is what happens after that strong start. Earnings drop to $19,376 by year four, an 11% decline that's common in cosmetology but still means graduates are making less money, not more, as they gain experience. This could reflect the physical demands of the profession, scheduling realities (many stylists work part-time), or the fact that some graduates leave the field entirely. Still, even with this drop, year-four earnings remain well above both state and national medians.

For parents, this program delivers above-average outcomes in a field where most schools cluster around $17,000 in earnings. The debt is manageable, and your graduate starts with a meaningful earnings advantage. Just understand that building a sustainable career in cosmetology often requires entrepreneurial hustle—building a clientele, potentially booth-renting, or eventually opening your own salon—rather than simply clocking more years behind the chair.