Cosmetology at Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University's cosmetology certificate presents a troubling financial picture: graduates earn just $12,486 one year after completion—roughly $2,800 below the already-modest Kentucky median and barely 73% of the national benchmark. This places the program in the 12th percentile nationally, meaning 88% of cosmetology programs produce better earnings outcomes. Even among Kentucky's 27 cosmetology programs, it ranks in the bottom quarter. For context, nearby competitors like PJ's College in Bowling Green see graduates earning $21,439—nearly double what Campbellsville graduates report.

The debt load of $12,850 exceeds first-year earnings, creating an immediate financial squeeze. While this debt figure matches the state median and is actually lower than many cosmetology programs nationally, it becomes problematic when paired with such weak earnings. A cosmetology graduate from this program would owe more than they're likely to earn in their first year working in the field—a concerning starting point for a career that typically requires building a clientele over time.

For families considering cosmetology training in Kentucky, this data suggests looking elsewhere. Multiple programs in the state deliver substantially better outcomes without necessarily requiring more debt. The $12,486 median earnings barely exceeds minimum wage work, making it difficult to justify certificate-level debt even at this relatively modest amount.