Cosmetology at Washburn University

Washburn University's cosmetology program ranks among the nation's best, placing in the 95th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $22,547—nearly $5,500 above the national median for cosmetology graduates. That's a significant advantage in a field where most programs struggle to deliver strong earnings outcomes. At $9,000 in debt, students carry a manageable load that represents just 40% of first-year earnings, meaning graduates could realistically pay this off within a year or two of steady work.

The Kansas perspective adds important nuance. While this program leads the state (tied with Washburn Institute of Technology), it's in the 60th percentile among Kansas schools—suggesting the state overall has stronger-than-average cosmetology programs. Still, Washburn outperforms the Kansas median by over $2,000 annually, and students graduate with slightly less debt than the state average. For an in-state student, those economics work well, especially since cosmetology careers typically require state licensing anyway.

The bottom line: this program delivers what anxious parents should want—top-tier national outcomes with debt that won't become a burden. Your child will learn a trade with real earning potential and graduate positioned better than 95% of cosmetology students nationwide. Just understand that $22,500 represents the realistic earning ceiling in this field, not a launching point for rapid salary growth.