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
Earnings Distribution
How Health And Style Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health And Style Institute | $20,190 | $21,437 | +6% |
| Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill | $21,826 | $27,243 | +25% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Raleigh | $18,849 | $25,519 | +35% |
| Guilford Technical Community College | $17,193 | $25,271 | +47% |
| Central Carolina Community College | $24,101 | $23,264 | -3% |
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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Health And Style InstituteGreensboro | — | $20,190 | $21,437 | $12,998 | 0.64 |
 Gaston CollegeDallas | $3,186 | $27,008 | — | — | — |
 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 |
| National Median | — | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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.