Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-West Greensboro

This cosmetology program delivers average earning outcomes but with significantly lower debt than most competitors, creating a more favorable financial picture for graduates. With median debt of just $16,500 compared to the national average of $19,862 and a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, students can realistically pay off their loans within their first year of work—a rare advantage in vocational training.

However, the earnings picture is more concerning. At $17,113 in first-year earnings, this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among North Carolina cosmetology programs, meaning 60% of similar programs in the state produce higher-earning graduates. The gap is substantial: top NC programs like Gaston College ($27,008) and Central Carolina Community College ($24,101) generate 40-50% higher starting salaries. Even with 20% earnings growth over four years, graduates still earn only $20,472, well below what many community college programs achieve immediately.

For families considering this investment, the low debt burden makes this program relatively low-risk, but the below-average earnings within North Carolina suggest your child might find better value at a community college offering cosmetology training. The 57% Pell Grant rate indicates this serves primarily lower-income students, but the modest earnings may not provide the economic mobility many families seek from career training.