Cosmetology at Genesis Career College-Lebanon

Genesis Career College-Lebanon's cosmetology program ranks solidly in the middle—60th percentile among Tennessee's 47 cosmetology schools—but the modest earnings come with a troubling downward trajectory. At $18,043 in the first year, graduates earn slightly above both state and national medians. However, by year four, earnings drop to $16,433, a 9% decline that suggests either part-time work becoming more common or wage stagnation in the field. Compare this to top Tennessee programs like The Salon Professional Academy-Nashville, where graduates earn $25,878, demonstrating that location and school reputation matter considerably in cosmetology.

The $9,500 debt load is reasonable—below both state and national medians—and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 means most graduates should manage repayment. Still, with first-year earnings barely reaching $18,000, the financial margin is thin. Over half the student body receives Pell grants, indicating this program serves students with limited financial resources who need strong post-graduation outcomes.

For families considering this investment, the key question is whether $9,500 in debt makes sense when higher-earning programs exist nearby. The earnings decline over time is concerning and warrants investigation—are graduates maintaining full-time salon positions or shifting to part-time work? At these income levels, even Tennessee's better-performing programs require careful financial planning.