Cosmetology at Capitol Beauty School
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Capitol Beauty School graduates compare to all programs nationally
Capitol Beauty School graduates earn $26k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Beauty School | $25,942 | $27,019 | $9,166 | 0.35 |
| Entourage Institute of Beauty and Esthetics | $24,101 | $21,576 | $15,137 | 0.63 |
| Xenon A Stephanie Moss Academy | $23,179 | $26,433 | $12,000 | 0.52 |
| Joseph's College Cosmetology | $22,479 | $17,790 | $12,000 | 0.53 |
| College of Hair Design-Downtown | $19,274 | $22,383 | $14,119 | 0.73 |
| College of Hair Design-East Campus | $19,274 | $22,383 | $14,119 | 0.73 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Nebraska
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Nebraska schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entourage Institute of Beauty and Esthetics Lincoln | — | $24,101 | $15,137 |
| Xenon A Stephanie Moss Academy Omaha | — | $23,179 | $12,000 |
| Joseph's College Cosmetology Lincoln | — | $22,479 | $12,000 |
| College of Hair Design-Downtown Lincoln | — | $19,274 | $14,119 |
| College of Hair Design-East Campus Lincoln | — | $19,274 | $14,119 |
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.