Location: Dallas, NC•In-State Tuition: $3,186•Out-of-State Tuition: $9,330
Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,008
95th percentile
Est. Median Debt
$12,959
Est. from NC median (6 programs)
Sample: 17 graduates Limited data

Where Gaston College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Gaston College (estimated ±10%)Other cosmetology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Gaston College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Gaston College earns $27k — 95th percentile among cosmetology certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (75 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Gaston CollegeDallas$3,186$27,008—$12,959*—
Central Carolina Community CollegeSanford$2,554$24,101$23,264$12,167*0.50
Wake Technical Community CollegeRaleigh$2,336$23,286—$7,693*0.33
Rowan-Cabarrus Community CollegeSalisbury$2,064$22,578$22,811$16,500*0.73
Aveda Institute-Chapel HillChapel Hill—$21,826$27,243$11,583*0.53
Mitchells AcademyRaleigh—$21,495$22,001$6,397*0.30
National Median—$17,113—$9,862*0.58
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Gaston College, approximately 26% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 13 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.