Cosmetology at Arthur's Beauty College

Arthur's Beauty College graduates earn roughly $14,100 annually—about $3,000 below the national median for cosmetology programs and slightly below Arkansas's state median of $14,450. In a state with 33 cosmetology programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten Arkansas cosmetology schools produce higher earners. The top programs in the state, like Arkansas Beauty School-Little Rock, see graduates earning $21,000, nearly 50% more.

The debt load of $12,841 translates to nearly a full year's earnings, which is manageable compared to many certificate programs but becomes concerning at this income level. At roughly $1,170 per month in gross earnings, graduates will likely struggle to build financial stability quickly. The minimal earnings growth over four years—just 2%—suggests limited advancement potential, which is worth considering for a career where success often depends heavily on building a loyal client base and developing entrepreneurial skills.

For a family weighing this investment, the question is whether cosmetology is the right career path, not necessarily whether this particular school makes sense. If your child is committed to this field, stronger-performing Arkansas programs exist that might justify the additional research. With 72% of students here receiving Pell grants, this school serves a predominantly low-income population, but the outcomes suggest looking at alternatives within driving distance could be worthwhile.