Cosmetology at Total Image Beauty Academy

Total Image Beauty Academy graduates start at $12,507—well below both the state median of $16,687 and the national average. Among New Jersey's 24 cosmetology programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of competing programs deliver better initial outcomes. The top NJ schools are placing graduates at $19,000-$23,000, nearly double what Total Image achieves in year one.

The 39% earnings growth to $17,380 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, but graduates are essentially spending their first few years catching up to where peers from better programs started. At $8,500, the debt load is slightly below state and national medians, which provides some cushion. However, with first-year earnings this low, even modest debt creates real strain—that 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe more than half their annual income right out of the gate.

For anxious parents, the question is straightforward: Why pay for a program that ranks in the bottom quarter statewide when nearby alternatives offer 35-50% higher starting earnings for similar debt? Unless there are compelling logistical reasons (location, schedule flexibility), directing your child toward Robert Fiance, Cutting Edge, or even the Empire Beauty locations would likely yield significantly better return on the same investment of time and money.