Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,639
63rd percentile (60th in GA)
Median Debt
$13,849
40% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.74
Manageable
Sample Size
721
Adequate data

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

Empire Beauty School-KennesawOther cosmetology programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw$18,639$20,245$13,8490.74
Lanier Technical College$22,686$23,453——
Atlanta School of Massage$20,792—$11,5550.56
International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage Therapy$20,551$19,533$9,3980.46
South Georgia Technical College$20,501———
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College$19,659$17,642——
National Median$17,113—$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.