Cosmetology at Xenon A Stephanie Moss Academy

Xenon Academy's cosmetology program ranks in the national top 5%, but context matters: while its graduates earn $23,179 in their first year—significantly above the national median of $17,113—they're actually in the middle of the pack among Nebraska cosmetology schools. Capitol Beauty School graduates earn $2,800 more annually, and Entourage Institute's grads also edge ahead. Still, at just $12,000 in debt (below Nebraska's median of $13,060), students here aren't overpaying for their training.

What makes this program work is steady growth rather than explosive early earnings. Graduates see a 14% income boost by year four, reaching $26,433—a meaningful improvement in a field where many workers plateau quickly. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means students can realistically pay off their loans within two years of full-time work, even at starting wages. For a certificate program serving a majority low-income student body (56% receive Pell grants), these outcomes represent genuine accessibility.

If your child is committed to cosmetology and staying in Omaha, this program delivers solid training without crushing debt. The earnings gap with Nebraska's top programs narrows as graduates gain experience, making this a financially viable choice—just not necessarily the highest-earning one in the state.