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 Missouri

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (26 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Central College of Cosmetology$19,129
Summit Salon Academy Kansas City$27,878$23,669$11,9810.43
Warrensburg Area Career Center$23,749$19,522
House of Heavilin Beauty College-Blue Springs$23,309$20,195$8,0490.35
The Salon Professional Academy-St Charles$23,204$26,884$9,8330.42
Grabber School of Hair Design$22,626$22,087$12,4650.55
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Missouri

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Summit Salon Academy Kansas City
Independence
$27,878$11,981
Warrensburg Area Career Center
Warrensburg
$23,749
House of Heavilin Beauty College-Blue Springs
Blue Springs
$23,309$8,049
The Salon Professional Academy-St Charles
St. Charles
$23,204$9,833
Grabber School of Hair Design
St. Louis
$22,626$12,465

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 College of Cosmetology, approximately 32% 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.