Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw graduates compare to all programs nationally
Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.
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 Georgia
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (45 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw | $18,639 | $20,245 | $13,849 | 0.74 |
| Lanier Technical College | $22,686 | $23,453 | — | — |
| Atlanta School of Massage | $20,792 | — | $11,555 | 0.56 |
| International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage Therapy | $20,551 | $19,533 | $9,398 | 0.46 |
| South Georgia Technical College | $20,501 | — | — | — |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | $19,659 | $17,642 | — | — |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lanier Technical College Gainesville | $3,716 | $22,686 | — |
| Atlanta School of Massage Atlanta | — | $20,792 | $11,555 |
| International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage Therapy Sandy Springs | — | $20,551 | $9,398 |
| South Georgia Technical College Americus | $3,782 | $20,501 | — |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta | $3,212 | $19,659 | — |
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.