Cosmetology at The Chrysm Institute of Esthetics

The Chrysm Institute stands out nationally—its graduates earn $23,974 in their first year, placing them in the 95th percentile among all cosmetology programs and well above the national median of $17,113. The $7,333 debt load is reasonable for a certificate program, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31. That means graduates owe roughly four months of income, which they can realistically pay down while building their careers.

The picture gets more complex when you zoom into Virginia. At $23,974, Chrysm graduates earn more than the state median of $19,234, but they're in the middle of the pack (60th percentile) among Virginia programs. Several Virginia schools produce even higher earners, with top programs reaching nearly $30,000. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates see income drop to $21,513 by year four, a 10% decline that suggests either difficulty retaining clients or the challenges of this industry's economics.

For parents, the key question is whether your child plans to stay in Virginia Beach or has a strong network to build upon. The low debt makes this a relatively safe bet—even with declining earnings, graduates aren't trapped by student loans. But if your child is willing to relocate for training, exploring programs at the Esthetic Institute or Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics might yield $5,000+ more in annual income, potentially offsetting any additional cost or inconvenience.