Cosmetology at Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Greenville

Kenneth Shuler's cosmetology program in Greenville sits in an interesting position: it outperforms the national average while trailing several competitors within South Carolina. Graduates earn $18,693 in their first year—enough to beat 64% of cosmetology programs nationwide—but this places them in just the 40th percentile among South Carolina schools. That gap matters because several nearby alternatives, including Paul Mitchell schools across the state and Southeastern Esthetics Institute, report starting earnings $900 to $2,900 higher. The debt load of $10,429 is manageable at roughly six months of first-year income, though it's slightly above both state and national medians.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth, reaching $21,453 by year four—a 15% increase that suggests graduates are building sustainable careers rather than churning out of the industry. With 68% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves a population seeking accessible workforce training. The real question is whether it's the best option in a competitive South Carolina market.

For families committed to staying in the Greenville area, Kenneth Shuler offers a reliable path with proven outcomes and reasonable debt. But if your student can commute to a Paul Mitchell location or Southeastern Esthetics, the higher starting earnings could offset any additional travel costs within the first year. The difference between $18,693 and $21,547 is real money when you're launching a career.