Analysis
Central Carolina Community College's cosmetology program stands out in a crowded field, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among North Carolina's 75 cosmetology programs. At $24,101 in first-year earnings, graduates earn roughly $7,000 more than the typical cosmetology certificate holder in NC and over $4,000 more than the national median. The debt load of $12,167 is actually below the state median ($12,999) and translates to a manageable 0.50 ratio—meaning graduates owe about six months of their first-year income.
The slight earnings dip to $23,264 by year four is worth noting, though this pattern isn't unusual in beauty services where early momentum from intensive salon hours sometimes gives way to more flexible schedules or business ownership transitions. Even with this decline, earnings remain competitive with top programs like Wake Tech and well above most alternatives.
For parents weighing cosmetology training, this program delivers unusually strong outcomes in a field where many schools struggle to help graduates earn livable wages. The combination of above-average earnings and below-state-average debt makes this one of the better-value cosmetology certificates available in North Carolina—a practical choice if your child is committed to the beauty industry.
Where Central Carolina Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Central Carolina Community College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Carolina Community College | $24,101 | $23,264 | -3% |
| Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill | $21,826 | $27,243 | +25% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Raleigh | $18,849 | $25,519 | +35% |
| Guilford Technical Community College | $17,193 | $25,271 | +47% |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | $22,578 | $22,811 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (75 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Central Carolina Community CollegeSanford | $2,554 | $24,101 | $23,264 | $12,167 | 0.50 |
 Gaston CollegeDallas | $3,186 | $27,008 | — | — | — |
 Wake Technical Community CollegeRaleigh | $2,336 | $23,286 | — | $7,693 | 0.33 |
 Rowan-Cabarrus Community CollegeSalisbury | $2,064 | $22,578 | $22,811 | $16,500 | 0.73 |
 Aveda Institute-Chapel HillChapel Hill | — | $21,826 | $27,243 | $11,583 | 0.53 |
 Mitchells AcademyRaleigh | — | $21,495 | $22,001 | $6,397 | 0.30 |
| 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 Central Carolina Community College, approximately 25% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.