Cosmetology at Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Nails-Columbia

Kenneth Shuler's cosmetology program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally (66th percentile) and within South Carolina (60th percentile)—but delivers solid fundamentals that matter more than flashy rankings. With starting earnings of $18,956 and debt of just $11,069, graduates face a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 0.58, meaning they'll owe roughly seven months' salary. That's considerably better than the national debt picture for cosmetology programs.

The program shows steady, if modest, earning progression with 11% growth over four years to $21,033. While this trails the top South Carolina programs by about $500 annually, it significantly outpaces the national median of $17,113. Given that 83% of students receive Pell grants, this represents meaningful economic mobility for working-class families entering a stable, recession-resistant field.

For parents weighing this investment, Kenneth Shuler offers a straightforward value proposition: predictable outcomes without excessive debt burden. Your child won't graduate as the highest earner in the field, but they'll have marketable skills, manageable payments, and room for growth through building clientele or specializing. In an industry where success often depends more on hustle and customer relationships than which school you attended, this represents a sensible launching pad.