This story was originally published in the GenZeal feature of LNP on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
By Madyson Bannout ‘26
Cosmetology programs are some of the most overlooked and underfunded parts of education today. Even though the beauty industry continues to grow, schools still treat cosmetology as an extra instead of a real career path. As career and technical education expands, cosmetology continues to fall behind in funding, updated curricula and basic respect. This does not just harm students. It affects local salons and the workforce that depend on skilled professionals.
A major concern is how underfunded high school cosmetology programs are. And in private beauty schools, students often pay hundreds of dollars for kits and tools, and many say the hands-on learning they were promised never happens. In a report from the nonpartisan think tank New America, a hairstylist from Des Moines, Iowa, said, “You’re getting upwards of $20,000 from each student. Where’s the money going? The roof is leaking.”
As someone who hopes to enter this field, it is frustrating to see students paying so much for environments that do not match the cost.
Curriculum gaps make this even worse. Many programs leave out essential skills such as textured hair, extensions and updated color techniques. An African American hairstylist told New America that she had to seek outside training because schools were not teaching Black hair. When schools overlook such a large part of the beauty industry, students graduate unprepared for real clients and real workplaces.
The consequences show up in graduates’ earnings. According to New America’s analysis, a “cosmetology graduate making the median salary who enrolled in a program that accepts federal aid only makes around $20,000 four years after completing a credential — well below the average for someone who is only a high school graduate.”
There are some bright spots. Education Insider Magazine reported that some modern programs are “integrating advanced technology, digital marketing, and complex business management” to prepare students for today’s beauty careers. With proper funding, all college and high school programs could offer the same opportunities.
Cosmetology students deserve updated tools, trained and experienced instructors and inclusive curricula. When schools invest in these programs, students succeed and communities benefit. It is time to treat cosmetology as the real profession it is and provide the funding and support it deserves.
Cosmetology Students Deserve Better Training
This story was originally published in the GenZeal feature of LNP on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
By Madyson Bannout ‘26
Cosmetology programs are some of the most overlooked and underfunded parts of education today. Even though the beauty industry continues to grow, schools still treat cosmetology as an extra instead of a real career path. As career and technical education expands, cosmetology continues to fall behind in funding, updated curricula and basic respect. This does not just harm students. It affects local salons and the workforce that depend on skilled professionals.
A major concern is how underfunded high school cosmetology programs are. And in private beauty schools, students often pay hundreds of dollars for kits and tools, and many say the hands-on learning they were promised never happens. In a report from the nonpartisan think tank New America, a hairstylist from Des Moines, Iowa, said, “You’re getting upwards of $20,000 from each student. Where’s the money going? The roof is leaking.”
As someone who hopes to enter this field, it is frustrating to see students paying so much for environments that do not match the cost.
Curriculum gaps make this even worse. Many programs leave out essential skills such as textured hair, extensions and updated color techniques. An African American hairstylist told New America that she had to seek outside training because schools were not teaching Black hair. When schools overlook such a large part of the beauty industry, students graduate unprepared for real clients and real workplaces.
The consequences show up in graduates’ earnings. According to New America’s analysis, a “cosmetology graduate making the median salary who enrolled in a program that accepts federal aid only makes around $20,000 four years after completing a credential — well below the average for someone who is only a high school graduate.”
There are some bright spots. Education Insider Magazine reported that some modern programs are “integrating advanced technology, digital marketing, and complex business management” to prepare students for today’s beauty careers. With proper funding, all college and high school programs could offer the same opportunities.
Cosmetology students deserve updated tools, trained and experienced instructors and inclusive curricula. When schools invest in these programs, students succeed and communities benefit. It is time to treat cosmetology as the real profession it is and provide the funding and support it deserves.
Sources:
https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/reports/cut-short-the-broken-promises-of-cosmetology-education/beauty-school-blunders-the-system-costs-students
https://www.educationinsidermagazine.com/news/the-techdriven-future-of-cosmetology-education-nwid-804.html?