Evansville, INprivate forprofitwww.tspaevansville.com/
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The Salon Professional Academy-Evansville isn't a traditional university; it's a tightly focused, modern trade school for beauty and cosmetology. With a 100% acceptance rate and a student body that is 98% female, it operates on a direct, career-preparatory model where the goal is licensure and employment, not a liberal arts degree. The vibe is practical, hands-on, and supportive, designed for students who want to enter the beauty industry as quickly and effectively as possible.
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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
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
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.
Admissions at TSPA-Evansville is an open, non-selective process focused on readiness for a career-focused program, not on competitive academic metrics. The school reports a 100% , and the process is described as straightforward, with an admissions representative providing a simple checklist to guide prospective students. There is no mention of SAT/ACT requirements; the policy is listed as 'unknown.' The primary point of contact is a direct phone call to 812-437-8772, and admissions office hours are listed as Monday through Friday. The application fee is $200. The process is designed to be accessible, aligning with the school's mission to provide career education in cosmetology and esthetics.
The academic offering is singular and intensive: career training in cosmetology and esthetics. The school's entire curriculum is built around preparing students for state licensure and immediate employment in the beauty industry. The cosmetology program is the dominant path, with data indicating an average of 72 degrees awarded annually in Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. The student-faculty ratio is 20:1, suggesting a focus on practical, hands-on instruction. The workload is structured around clock hours, with a requirement to attend at least 90% of classes to graduate. There are no traditional majors, minors, or general education courses; the education is a direct pipeline to a skilled trade.
Student life revolves around the immersive, studio-like environment of the beauty school. The campus is described as a 'modern, inspiring environment filled with creativity and encouragement.' The demographic is overwhelmingly female (98%), and the experience is built for students who are often balancing school with work and personal responsibilities—the school publishes blog posts with tips on managing this balance. There is no mention of residential housing, athletics, or traditional campus clubs; the community is formed around shared career goals and daily work in the salon setting. The social and professional spheres blend, with success measured by skill development and preparation for client service.
Outcomes are defined by licensure and job placement, not bachelor's degree completion. The most recent program disclosure reports an 82% graduation rate for its cosmetology program. The median earnings ten years after entry are $26,881. A typical graduate carries about $9,833 in student debt. The school's value proposition is direct: complete the program, pass the state board exams, and begin working in the field. Success is framed as employability in salons, spas, and related beauty businesses, with the program designed to meet the hourly requirements for state licensure.
The cost structure is transparent and program-based. Published tuition is $18,450. The average after aid is $12,867. Financial aid is available, with the school's office aimed at assisting students in attaining necessary funds, primarily through federal aid (FAFSA). On average, 24% of students receive grant aid, with average student grant aid of $5,170 and average institutional grants of $2,200. The school provides a net price calculator for personalized estimates. The financial process is presented as a guided experience, with admissions and financial aid staff available by phone to help navigate options, which include scholarships and grants that do not have to be repaid.
TSPA-Evansville stands out for its pure, unapologetic focus. It is not trying to be a college; it is a professional academy with a single-minded purpose: to train licensed cosmetologists and estheticians efficiently and effectively. It forgoes the trappings of traditional campus life for a studio-based, hands-on learning model in a modern facility. Its 100% and lack of entrance exam requirements make it accessible, while its 82% graduation rate suggests a program structured for completion. It serves a specific, nearly exclusively female demographic looking for a direct, guided path into the beauty industry, with staff dedicated to walking students through both admissions and financial aid. In a landscape of broad universities, it is a narrow, deep, and practical trench into a skilled trade.