Cosmetology at Georgia Institute of Cosmetology

Georgia Institute of Cosmetology sits right at the state median for earnings—$16,832 after one year—which ranks in the 60th percentile among Georgia's 45 cosmetology programs. That's modestly above average, but what really distinguishes this program is the debt load: at $14,544, graduates here borrow about $2,000 more than the state median and considerably more than the national median of $9,862. The school serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (67%), so these borrowing levels matter significantly for students with limited financial cushion.

The earnings do grow 21% over four years to $20,364, which is encouraging movement in an industry where income often depends on building clientele. However, that four-year figure still trails the top Georgia programs by $2,000-$3,000 annually. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86, graduates are carrying nearly a full year's salary in loans—workable if you're disciplined about repayment, but tight on a beauty industry income.

The takeaway: This program delivers typical outcomes for Georgia cosmetology training, but the above-average debt is a concern. If your child can attend one of the stronger-performing Georgia technical colleges (Lanier, South Georgia, Wiregrass) that might offer better value. Otherwise, exhaust every scholarship opportunity here and consider whether family support could reduce that borrowing, because starting a cosmetology career with $14,500 in debt makes an already-modest income even tighter.