Considering the cost of a 4 year college education averaging anywhere from 50,000 to 200,000 in the US, beauty school tuition costs average well below at 6,500 to 20,000. The time spent in school is also minimized with a college degree taking roughly 4 years, and a cosmetology school taking as little as 60 weeks or 15 months.  Another factor to consider is the length of time needed for loan repayment. I have friends that are still paying off student loans into their late 40’s!

As long as the beauty school you choose is accredited, the same Grants, Scholarships and low interest student loans are available to anyone seeking this fast track to enter the job market.

The average income for a licensed cosmetologist varies depending on the region of the country you work. It is possible to enter the job market expecting an average salary of around $50,000 per year. This may be increased with your ability to promote your skills and bring in business as a sales rep or a stylist. 

I think more people will shift their focus on education that produces a skill as education cost continue to rise. Today’s student is not expecting a pot of gold, but is looking for some guarantee of employment at the end of the school rainbow!