Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,639
63rd percentile
60th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$13,849
40% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Empire Beauty School-KennesawKennesaw$18,639$20,245$13,8490.74
Lanier Technical CollegeGainesville$3,716$22,686$23,453
Atlanta School of MassageAtlanta$20,792$11,5550.56
International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage TherapySandy Springs$20,551$19,533$9,3980.46
South Georgia Technical CollegeAmericus$3,782$20,501
Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta$3,212$19,659$17,642
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.