Analysis
Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw delivers solid value in Georgia's competitive cosmetology landscape, with graduates earning above both state and national medians while carrying manageable debt loads. At $18,639 in first-year earnings, graduates outperform the Georgia median of $16,832 and rank in the 60th percentile statewide—respectable performance among 45 competing programs. The debt picture is particularly encouraging: at $13,849, it's only slightly above the state median but well below national averages, placing this program in the 13th percentile nationally for debt burden.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 means graduates typically owe less than nine months of their first year's salary—a manageable burden that allows for realistic repayment. While earnings growth is modest at 9% over four years, this reflects the broader cosmetology field where experience and client-building matter more than time since graduation. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates adds confidence to these numbers.
For parents considering this investment, Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw offers a practical path into cosmetology without excessive debt. While it won't place your child among Georgia's top earners (programs like Lanier Technical College achieve $22,686), it provides above-average outcomes with below-average debt—a combination that makes financial sense for students entering this field.
Where Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw | $18,639 | $20,245 | +9% |
| Gwinnett Technical College | $18,291 | $28,112 | +54% |
| Columbus Technical College | $19,094 | $27,211 | +43% |
| Elaine Sterling Institute | $15,263 | $24,675 | +62% |
| Keune Academy by 124 | $19,319 | $24,558 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (45 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $18,639 | $20,245 | $13,849 | 0.74 | |
| $3,716 | $22,686 | $23,453 | — | — | |
| — | $20,792 | — | $11,555 | 0.56 | |
| — | $20,551 | $19,533 | $9,398 | 0.46 | |
| $3,782 | $20,501 | — | — | — | |
| $3,212 | $19,659 | $17,642 | — | — | |
| 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 Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw, approximately 56% 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 721 graduates with reported earnings and 859 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.