Cosmetology at Dalton Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology

Dalton Institute graduates enter a challenging market, earning $16,539 their first year—below both the national median ($17,113) and Georgia's median ($16,832) for cosmetology programs. More concerning, they rank in just the 40th percentile among Georgia's 45 cosmetology schools, while the state's top programs like Lanier Technical College show graduates can earn $22,686 in the same market. That $6,000+ gap suggests this program isn't providing the competitive edge students need.

The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $8,375, graduates owe about $4,500 less than the typical Georgia cosmetology student. This lower debt load keeps the burden manageable at 51% of first-year earnings, though it still represents six months of income. With 65% of students receiving Pell grants, most families here are making significant sacrifices for below-median outcomes.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: your child will likely earn less than peers from other Georgia cosmetology schools while facing similar career limitations inherent to the field. If cosmetology is the goal, comparing outcomes at Georgia's technical colleges—which show consistently stronger earnings—makes sense before committing to this path.