Cosmetology at Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-North Augusta

Kenneth Shuler's North Augusta location produces cosmetology graduates earning roughly $16,000 annually—below both South Carolina's state median ($18,956) and sitting in the 40th percentile among SC cosmetology programs. More concerning, earnings actually decline by year four rather than grow, suggesting graduates aren't building momentum in their careers. Several Paul Mitchell locations across South Carolina show graduates earning $19,500+, demonstrating that better outcomes are achievable within the state.

The silver lining here is manageable debt at $12,274, which keeps the financial burden relatively contained even with modest earnings. With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, graduates can technically pay off their loans within their first year's salary, though at $16,000 annually, that's hardly comfortable. The program serves a predominantly low-income student body (74% receive Pell grants), which makes affordability crucial—but earnings this low may still create financial strain for graduates trying to establish themselves.

For parents considering this program, the question is whether slightly lower debt justifies significantly lower earnings potential. The $3,000-4,000 annual earnings gap compared to top SC programs compounds year after year, potentially costing tens of thousands over a career. If your child is committed to cosmetology in South Carolina, exploring higher-performing schools in Greenville, Columbia, or Charleston appears worth the effort.