Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy-Onalaska

The Salon Professional Academy-Onalaska ranks among the top 5% of cosmetology programs nationwide for graduate earnings, but there's a Wisconsin-specific reality to understand: strong performance here matters less than in states with weaker cosmetology training. At $25,017 in first-year earnings, graduates earn significantly more than the national median of $17,113, yet land in the 60th percentile within Wisconsin, where the state median sits at $21,659. This reflects Wisconsin's relatively strong vocational training infrastructure—several technical colleges in the state produce similar or better outcomes.

The $12,000 in typical debt creates a manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, and graduates will likely pay off their loans within two years of full-time work. However, earnings plateau quickly, growing just 1% over four years to $25,347. This is standard for cosmetology, where stylists often reach their earning ceiling once they build a client base.

For Wisconsin families, this program delivers solid results but isn't necessarily the best in-state option. Programs at Waukesha County Technical College and The Institute of Beauty and Wellness produce graduates earning roughly $2,000 more annually. If your child can access those programs with similar debt loads, they're worth exploring. That said, this school serves nearly half its students from lower-income backgrounds and produces outcomes well above the national norm—it's a legitimate pathway into the profession.