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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,942 | $27,019 | $9,166 | 0.35 | |
| $24,101 | $21,576 | $15,137 | 0.63 | |
| $23,179 | $26,433 | $12,000 | 0.52 | |
| $22,479 | $17,790 | $12,000 | 0.53 | |
| $19,274 | $22,383 | $14,119 | 0.73 | |
| $19,274 | $22,383 | $14,119 | 0.73 | |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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.