Cosmetology at Johnson County Community College

Johnson County Community College's cosmetology program achieves something rare: it costs less than half the typical cosmetology program while delivering earnings well above average. With just $5,424 in debt—95% lower than most programs—and first-year earnings of $21,250, graduates owe roughly one-quarter of what they'll make in their first year. That's an unusually manageable starting point for a field where many programs saddle students with $10,000+ in debt for similar outcomes.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While graduates start at $21,250, they're earning $28,635 four years out—a 35% jump that suggests licensure and experience translate into meaningful income growth. Among Kansas cosmetology programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, trailing only a handful of schools that cluster in the low $22,000s. Nationally, it performs even better at the 86th percentile, which reflects how many cosmetology programs across the country struggle to reach even $20,000 in starting earnings.

The combination of minimal debt and above-average earnings makes this one of the more financially sensible cosmetology options in Kansas. Your child won't graduate with the highest earning potential in the state, but they also won't spend years digging out from under debt that exceeds their annual income—a trap that catches many beauty school graduates. For students committed to this career path, this represents a low-risk entry point.