Cosmetology at MAK Beauty Institute

MAK Beauty Institute's cosmetology program produces graduates earning above the state median—$18,519 versus $16,832 for Georgia programs—while carrying nearly $5,000 less debt than the typical Georgia graduate. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, students here borrow about half what they'll earn in their first year, a manageable load that beats most in-state competitors on the financial burden measure.

That said, $18,519 annually is challenging, even for a field where earnings can grow with client base and chair rental experience. The program ranks around the 60th percentile in Georgia, meaning graduates here earn more than most but significantly less than top performers like Lanier Technical College ($22,686). The small sample size—under 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift considerably year to year, so they're more directional than definitive.

For families comfortable with the realities of cosmetology earnings and focused on keeping debt low, this program offers a reasonable entry point. The lower debt matters more in this field than in most, since stylists typically need runway time to build their clientele. Just understand that even above-average performance here means modest starting pay, and success will depend heavily on factors beyond the certificate itself.