Median Earnings (1yr)
$20,190
77th percentile (60th in NC)
Median Debt
$12,998
32% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.64
Manageable
Sample Size
338
Adequate data

Analysis

Health And Style Institute's cosmetology program commands a premium price but delivers solid returns that justify the investment. At $12,998 in debt, students pay about $3,000 more than the national average, yet they earn $20,190 in their first year—placing them in the 77th percentile nationally and well above both national and North Carolina medians.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 is quite manageable, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within reasonable timeframes. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile within North Carolina (where competition is strong among 75 cosmetology schools), it still outperforms the state median by $3,000 annually. The 6% earnings growth over four years shows steady career progression, though several community colleges in the state do produce higher-earning graduates.

This program represents a smart middle-ground choice for cosmetology training. Yes, you'll pay more upfront than at many schools, but the superior job placement and industry connections appear to translate into meaningfully higher starting salaries. For families willing to invest in quality training rather than simply seeking the cheapest option, Health And Style Institute delivers competitive outcomes that should comfortably cover the additional debt.

Where Health And Style Institute Stands

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

Health And Style InstituteOther 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 Health And Style Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Health And Style Institute graduates earn $20k, placing them in the 77th 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 North Carolina

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Health And Style Institute$20,190$21,437$12,9980.64
Gaston College$27,008
Central Carolina Community College$24,101$23,264$12,1670.50
Wake Technical Community College$23,286$7,6930.33
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College$22,578$22,811$16,5000.73
Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill$21,826$27,243$11,5830.53
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Gaston College
Dallas
$3,186$27,008
Central Carolina Community College
Sanford
$2,554$24,101$12,167
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh
$2,336$23,286$7,693
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury
$2,064$22,578$16,500
Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill
$21,826$11,583

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 Health And Style Institute, approximately 38% 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 338 graduates with reported earnings and 404 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.