Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,956
66th percentile (60th in SC)
Median Debt
$11,069
12% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.58
Manageable
Sample Size
464
Adequate data

Analysis

Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose Creek delivers above-average outcomes for students pursuing cosmetology careers. With first-year earnings of $18,956, graduates earn more than the national median ($17,113) and match the state median exactly. Among South Carolina's 28 cosmetology programs, this school ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, though it falls short of top performers like Southeastern Esthetics Institute, which produces graduates earning $21,547.

The debt picture is reasonable for a trade program. At $11,069, student debt sits at the national 39th percentile—meaning most programs nationally carry higher debt loads. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 is manageable, particularly given that earnings grow 11% by year four to $21,033. With two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, the school clearly serves working-class families seeking accessible career training.

For parents considering cosmetology education, this program represents a solid middle-tier choice that won't burden your child with excessive debt while providing earnings that exceed national norms. While not the top performer in South Carolina, the combination of reasonable debt and above-average earnings creates a foundation for a sustainable beauty industry career.

Where Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose Creek Stands

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

Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose CreekOther 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 Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose Creek graduates compare to all programs nationally

Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose Creek graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 66th 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 South Carolina

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (28 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose Creek$18,956$21,033$11,0690.58
Southeastern Esthetics Institute$21,547$7,0290.33
Paul Mitchell the School-Greenville$19,583$20,755$13,8330.71
Paul Mitchell the School-Charleston$19,583$20,755$13,8330.71
Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia$19,583$20,755$13,8330.71
Academy of Hair Technology$19,459$19,648$7,8330.40
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in South Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Southeastern Esthetics Institute
Elgin
$21,547$7,029
Paul Mitchell the School-Greenville
Greenville
$19,583$13,833
Paul Mitchell the School-Charleston
North Charleston
$19,583$13,833
Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia
West Columbia
$19,583$13,833
Academy of Hair Technology
Greenville
$19,459$7,833

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 Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose Creek, approximately 67% 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 464 graduates with reported earnings and 561 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.