Cosmetology at College of Wilmington

College of Wilmington's cosmetology program graduates earn nearly $20,000 within a year—that's $3,000 above the national median and places it in the 60th percentile among North Carolina's 75 cosmetology programs. The debt picture is especially notable here: at $16,500, it's higher than the state median but still represents less than a year's earnings, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83. Only 5% of cosmetology programs nationwide leave students with less debt burden relative to their income.

The challenge is what happens after graduation. Earnings stay essentially flat at around $19,700 four years out, which is typical for cosmetology where income depends more on building a client base and chair rental arrangements than career progression. Those top-performing NC programs like Gaston College ($27,000) and Central Carolina Community College ($24,000) show there's a higher ceiling in the state, but they may benefit from stronger local markets or different program structures.

For a family considering this program, the math is straightforward: your child would owe less than one year's salary in a field where earnings are immediate and relatively stable. The 59% Pell Grant population suggests this school successfully serves students who need career training quickly. If your child is committed to cosmetology and plans to stay in the Wilmington area where they can build clientele, this represents a reasonable entry point with manageable debt.