Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,942
95th percentile
60th percentile in Nebraska
Median Debt
$9,166
7% below national median

Analysis

Capitol Beauty School's cosmetology program punches well above its weight nationally—graduates earn $25,942 in their first year, placing them in the 95th percentile among all cosmetology programs in the country. That's roughly 50% more than the typical graduate from similar programs. Within Nebraska, the school ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, meaning it's comfortably above the state median of $22,829, though a couple of competitors post marginally higher numbers. The $9,166 in debt sits below both state and national averages, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35—manageable by any standard.

What's particularly reassuring is the earnings stability: graduates see steady income growth from year one to year four, unlike many cosmetology programs where earnings plateau quickly. This suggests Capitol's training translates into client retention and skill development that pays off over time. The robust sample size (100+ graduates tracked) means these aren't fluky numbers—this is a consistent pattern.

For families weighing cosmetology training in the Omaha area, Capitol Beauty School represents a clear value play: below-average debt paired with substantially above-average earnings outcomes. Your child would be entering a field with realistic income expectations while avoiding the debt traps that plague many beauty schools nationwide.

Where Capitol Beauty School Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Capitol Beauty School graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Capitol Beauty School$25,942$27,019+4%
Xenon A Stephanie Moss Academy$23,179$26,433+14%
College of Hair Design-Downtown$19,274$22,383+16%
College of Hair Design-East Campus$19,274$22,383+16%
Entourage Institute of Beauty and Esthetics$24,101$21,576-10%

Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (7 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Capitol Beauty SchoolOmaha$25,942$27,019$9,1660.35
Entourage Institute of Beauty and EstheticsLincoln$24,101$21,576$15,1370.63
Xenon A Stephanie Moss AcademyOmaha$23,179$26,433$12,0000.52
Joseph's College CosmetologyLincoln$22,479$17,790$12,0000.53
College of Hair Design-DowntownLincoln$19,274$22,383$14,1190.73
College of Hair Design-East CampusLincoln$19,274$22,383$14,1190.73
National Median$17,113—$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Capitol Beauty School, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 157 graduates with reported earnings and 159 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.