Cosmetology at Victoria's Academy of Cosmetology

Victoria's Academy graduates earn 16% above the national median for cosmetology programs, but lag behind most other Washington schools. At $22,016 four years out, earnings fall short of the state median ($21,785), placing this program in just the 40th percentile among Washington cosmetology schools. The top programs in the state—like Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Shoreline at $25,497—show that nearly $3,500 more in annual earnings is achievable within the same market.

The financial picture isn't dire: $9,500 in debt equals about six months of first-year earnings, and graduates see steady 11% income growth over the first four years. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves economically diverse students without loading them with excessive debt.

For Washington families, the question is whether staying closer to the Tri-Cities area justifies the earnings gap. If your child has strong ties to Kennewick and plans to build a local clientele, this program offers decent value. But if they're willing to relocate to Seattle or Spokane for training, competing programs deliver noticeably stronger earning potential—and the debt levels are essentially identical. The difference of $3,000-4,000 annually adds up to roughly $120,000 over a 30-year career.