Capella University vs Nova Academy of Cosmetology: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Capella University comes closer — median earnings $42,189 against a $71,824 total, vs $32,156 at Nova Academy of Cosmetology. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Capella University | Nova Academy of Cosmetology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,956 | $21,473 |
| Total net cost | $71,824 | $85,892 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,189 | $32,156 |
| Median debt | $14,968 | $9,424 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$195,244 | -$409,972 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Capella University or Nova Academy of Cosmetology?
Capella University, at $17,956 a year after aid versus $21,473 — a gap of $3,517 a year, or $14,068 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Capella University or Nova Academy of Cosmetology graduates earn more?
Capella University graduates report a median $42,189 ten years after entry, $10,033 more than the $32,156 at Nova Academy of Cosmetology. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Capella University or Nova Academy of Cosmetology?
Nova Academy of Cosmetology: its completers carry a median $9,424 in federal loans versus $14,968 at Capella University, a difference of $5,544. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
77% of students finish at Nova Academy of Cosmetology, against 20% at Capella University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.