Cosmetology at Hinds Community College

Hinds Community College's cosmetology certificate produces first-year earnings of $17,704—better than 60% of Mississippi cosmetology programs and above both the state median ($14,236) and national median ($17,113). That said, with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift significantly year to year, and the $9,781 in typical debt represents about seven months of earnings.

The real concern here is the earnings trajectory. Four years out, median earnings drop to $14,285, suggesting graduates may struggle with client retention or face challenges in Mississippi's beauty services market. This decline isn't uncommon in cosmetology, where building a steady clientele takes time and some practitioners leave the field entirely, but it means the initial earning power doesn't translate into long-term income growth.

For families considering this program, understand you're looking at modest earnings—roughly $18,000 initially—with debt that's manageable but not trivial. Hinds performs reasonably well among Mississippi options, but success in cosmetology depends heavily on factors these numbers can't capture: location choice, networking ability, and business acumen. The certificate provides the license to practice; building a sustainable income requires much more.