
Kentwood, MIprivate forprofitmosleysoc.com
Mosley School of Cosmetology is a small, for-profit trade school in Kentwood, Michigan, laser-focused on turning out licensed beauty professionals. Its identity is defined by a pragmatic, hands-on curriculum across hair, nails, and skincare, delivered to a tiny, predominantly full-time student body of about 62. While it offers access to federal financial aid and boasts a strong 89% pass rate on licensing exams, its mission is singular: affordable, accredited vocational training for immediate entry into a field known for modest earnings.
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Outcomes & value
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Campus & location
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Mosley operates with what is effectively an open admission policy for its vocational programs. The institution's profile indicates that if the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED, it falls into a category akin to open admission, similar to other cosmetology or word processing schools. This means the barrier to entry is low, focused on basic credential attainment rather than competitive selection. The school does not report or consider standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT for admissions, and sources note these metrics as "Not reported." The total enrollment is very small, with 62 students, 61% of whom attend full-time. The admissions process appears geared toward filling cohorts for specific program start dates, as evidenced by social media calls to "Come enroll in our January Cosmetology Class."
The academic offering is intensely focused, comprising four programs within the single field of cosmetology. The school produces approximately 71 graduates annually from this concentrated catalog. Programs train students in hair, skincare (esthetics), and nails, with an emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. The school promotes that students practice their skills on humans, not just mannequins, and that the training salon offers services to the public at an affordable price. A key academic credential is the school's accreditation by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS), which signifies that the training meets national standards and is a gateway for students to access federal financial aid. The program's effectiveness is measured by licensing exam pass rates, which the school reported as 89% for the calendar year 2021, a point of pride attributed to "dedicated educators and a great teaching environment."
With only 62 students, campus life is intimate and almost certainly revolves around the clinic floor and classrooms. There is no indication of residential housing, athletic programs, or traditional collegiate extracurriculars; the culture is that of a vocational training center. The school's stated values and identity shape this experience, though specific traditions or clubs are not detailed in available sources. The religious and cultural identity is listed as having no religious affiliation. Student interactions are likely professional and cohort-based, centered on mastering technical skills in a salon-like environment that serves the local community.
The primary intended outcome is licensure and entry into the cosmetology field. The school touts a 89% pass rate on licensing exams as a key success metric. However, broader industry data provides context for post-graduation prospects. A 2022 study highlighted that cosmetology schools often poor student outcomes, noting that cosmetologists earn an average of $16,600 annually—which is $9,000 less than the average annual income of workers with only a high school diploma. The school's own materials reference "Outcome Rates" and promoting "a successful career," but do not publish specific graduate employment or earnings figures. The focus is squarely on completing the program and passing the state board exams.
Mosley promotes affordable tuition and offers a range of financial aid options for those who qualify. A central pillar is access to federal student aid via the FAFSA, which can provide Pell Grants and federal student loans, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans for which financial need is not a requirement. The school has expanded aid availability to cover its nail technician and esthetician programs in addition to cosmetology. It also offers payment plan options and promotes external scholarship opportunities, noting that awards from $500 to $2,000 can help cover costs like tool kits or tuition payments. The process involves completing entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note for loan recipients. The overall framing is one of making beauty school financially accessible through federal and institutional support.
Mosley School of Cosmetology stands out for its pure, unadulterated focus. It is not a liberal arts college with a cosmetology program; it is a cosmetology school, full stop. Its identity is carved from a single purpose: accredited, hands-on vocational training for state licensure. This is evidenced by its 89% exam pass rate, its NACCAS accreditation, and its curriculum designed for immediate practical application. The school has grown physically, adding 3,200 square feet to accommodate students, reflecting demand for its model. It distinguishes itself by making federal financial aid accessible for all its programs, lowering the immediate cost barrier for training in a field not known for high wages. In a landscape of sprawling universities, Mosley's singularity is its strength—a small, pragmatic gateway into the beauty industry for students who know exactly what trade they want to learn.