Analysis
Urban Barber College graduates earn just $11,292 in their first year—$3,300 below California's median for cosmetology programs and a striking $6,000 below the national median. While the debt load of $9,855 sits near typical levels, that creates a troubling 0.87 debt-to-earnings ratio when paired with such low income. For context, top California programs like The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose see graduates earning more than double ($24,660), suggesting location and program quality matter enormously in this field.
The 25th percentile ranking among California schools is particularly concerning given that many cosmetology graduates work locally. This means three-quarters of comparable programs in the state deliver better financial outcomes. With 63% of students receiving Pell grants, these low earnings hit families who can least afford a weak return on investment.
The bottom line: at $940 per month in first-year earnings, graduates face serious financial strain while carrying nearly $10,000 in debt. California offers considerably stronger cosmetology programs, and families should explore alternatives with proven track records of placing graduates in viable careers. This investment carries substantial risk for students already facing economic challenges.
Where Urban Barber College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Urban Barber College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (130 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Urban Barber CollegeConcord | — | $11,292 | — | $9,855 | 0.87 |
 The Salon Professional Academy-San JoseSan Jose | — | $24,660 | $24,953 | $10,376 | 0.42 |
 San Jose City CollegeSan Jose | $1,366 | $23,253 | — | — | — |
 MTI CollegeSacramento | — | $21,371 | $22,802 | $10,550 | 0.49 |
 Institute of TechnologyClovis | — | $21,184 | — | $13,341 | 0.63 |
 Shasta School of CosmetologyRedding | — | $20,144 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Urban Barber College, approximately 63% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 60 graduates with reported earnings and 89 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.