Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy-Appleton

The Salon Professional Academy-Appleton's cosmetology program demonstrates an unusual pattern for this field: graduates start below the Wisconsin median at $18,603 but experience 44% earnings growth by year four, reaching $26,810. That fourth-year figure surpasses the state median by nearly $5,000 and places graduates among the top-performing programs statewide. While first-year earnings might seem concerning—especially compared to Wisconsin's median of $21,659—the trajectory suggests this program may emphasize building a sustainable client base over quick entry-level placement.

The debt picture is manageable at $11,679, translating to a 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio based on first-year income. This is slightly above both state and national medians, but becomes far more reasonable when considered against the fourth-year earnings of nearly $27,000. For context, only five Wisconsin cosmetology programs show higher fourth-year earnings, and most graduates here are outearning peers at 60% of programs nationally by year four.

The key question is whether your student can weather those leaner first years while building their career. If they're willing to invest in developing their clientele and have financial support during that initial period, the growth trajectory here is stronger than most cosmetology programs offer. The 41% Pell grant rate suggests the school serves students without significant family resources, making that early earning period a genuine consideration rather than an academic concern.