Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy

The Salon Professional Academy stands out nationally—ranking in the 95th percentile among cosmetology programs—but within South Dakota's small market, it lands in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. That first-year median of $24,068 substantially exceeds both the national average ($17,113) and the state median ($21,552), though it trails Stewart School by about $2,600 annually. The debt load of $12,500 is modest by education standards, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 that most graduates can manage within their first few years of work.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings decline: graduates earn less four years out ($22,219) than they do in their first year. This backward trajectory appears in many cosmetology programs and likely reflects the realities of building a clientele base, navigating commission structures, and the physical demands of the profession. For context, even with this decline, four-year earnings still exceed the national average by about $5,000—this isn't a program failing its students, but rather one facing industry-wide income plateaus.

If your child is committed to cosmetology and you're staying in South Dakota, this program delivers strong initial placement and manageable debt. The 50% Pell grant rate suggests the school successfully serves working-class students. Just ensure they understand that their second year's income might well be their career peak, making financial discipline in those early earning years essential.