Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy-Nampa

The Salon Professional Academy-Nampa lands squarely in the middle nationally but trails other Idaho cosmetology programs, ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide. Graduates here earn about $1,600 less in their fourth year compared to the state median, and roughly $1,600 less than nearby competitors like Paul Mitchell-Nampa or Oliver Finley Academy. That gap might not sound dramatic, but in an industry where most graduates earn under $22,000 annually, it compounds quickly—potentially costing tens of thousands over a career.

The $12,000 debt load is higher than both state and national medians, though the 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates typically owe about eight months of income. Earnings do grow 12% from year one to year four, which shows some career progression, but graduates still peak below $20,000. For context, you're looking at near minimum-wage outcomes for work that requires specialized training and licensing.

If your child is committed to cosmetology in the Treasure Valley, compare carefully with Paul Mitchell-Nampa, which produces graduates earning $1,600 more annually for similar training time. That difference—roughly $130 per month—matters significantly at these income levels and could determine whether building a salon career feels financially viable or like a constant struggle.