Cosmetology at Keune Academy by 124

Keune Academy graduates start at modest earnings but see something rare in cosmetology: 27% income growth over four years, pushing median earnings from $19,319 to $24,558. That growth rate stands out in a field where many programs show flat or declining trajectories. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Georgia's 45 cosmetology schools—solidly middle-of-the-pack for the state, but notably above the national median.

The debt picture is reasonable at $9,833, particularly compared to the $12,831 median for Georgia cosmetology programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, graduates typically owe about half their first-year income—a manageable burden that becomes more comfortable as earnings improve. A third of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves lower-income students who can realistically handle this debt load while building their clientele.

The path here isn't about high starting wages—Georgia's top programs like Lanier Technical College start graduates at $22,686. Instead, this program appears to provide training that supports steady income growth as stylists develop their skills and customer base. For families prioritizing affordable entry into cosmetology with room for career development, this represents a workable investment, especially if your child shows the entrepreneurial drive to build their business over time.