Median Earnings (1yr)
$15,003
26th percentile
40th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$12,831
30% above national median

Analysis

Miller-Motte College-Macon's cosmetology program produces graduates who earn less than both national and state averages, with first-year earnings of $15,003 falling $2,000 below the Georgia median of $16,832. While the program ranks in the 40th percentile among Georgia schools—meaning it's roughly middle-of-the-pack statewide—it significantly underperforms compared to the state's top technical colleges, where graduates can earn $20,000+ right out of school.

The financial picture shows both strengths and weaknesses. At $12,831 in median debt, students borrow exactly the state average but $3,000 more than the national median. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 is manageable, and the program shows solid 23% earnings growth over four years, reaching $18,514 by year four. With 84% of students receiving Pell grants, this serves a predominantly low-income population who may have limited alternatives.

For parents weighing options, this program offers adequate preparation for the cosmetology field without excessive debt, but Georgia has demonstrably stronger alternatives. Schools like Lanier Technical College produce graduates earning 50% more in their first year. If your child is set on cosmetology and location is flexible, exploring the state's technical college system could yield significantly better financial outcomes.

Where Miller-Motte College-Macon Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Miller-Motte College-Macon graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Miller-Motte College-Macon$15,003$18,514+23%
Gwinnett Technical College$18,291$28,112+54%
Columbus Technical College$19,094$27,211+43%
Elaine Sterling Institute$15,263$24,675+62%
Keune Academy by 124$19,319$24,558+27%

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (45 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Miller-Motte College-MaconMacon$15,003$18,514$12,8310.86
Lanier Technical CollegeGainesville$3,716$22,686$23,453
Atlanta School of MassageAtlanta$20,792$11,5550.56
International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage TherapySandy Springs$20,551$19,533$9,3980.46
South Georgia Technical CollegeAmericus$3,782$20,501
Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta$3,212$19,659$17,642
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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 Miller-Motte College-Macon, approximately 84% 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 335 graduates with reported earnings and 421 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.