Cosmetology at Waynes College of Beauty

Waynes College of Beauty graduates start at just $15,728, which sounds concerning until you look at California's cosmetology market—where this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide despite median earnings of only $14,600. More importantly, graduates here see 40% earnings growth by year four, reaching $22,072, which suggests they're building sustainable careers rather than hitting an immediate ceiling.

The $6,333 debt load is genuinely manageable—less than half the national median and well below California's typical $8,802. That translates to a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under six months of earnings. With 69% of students receiving Pell grants, this appears to be a program serving students who need genuine economic mobility without burying them in debt.

The reality check: top California programs like The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose start graduates at $24,660, nearly 60% higher. But those programs likely come with steeper costs. For families prioritizing debt avoidance while entering cosmetology, Waynes delivers working credentials at a price point that won't derail your child's finances. The growing earnings trajectory suggests graduates are gaining skills and clients over time, which matters more in this trade than the starting number.