Cosmetology at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington

Miller-Motte College-Wilmington's cosmetology program produces earnings that lag behind both national and state benchmarks, with first-year graduates earning $15,003 compared to the national median of $17,113. While the program performs slightly better relative to other North Carolina schools (40th percentile) than nationally (26th percentile), it still falls short of the state median by over $2,000 annually.

The debt picture offers some relief, with graduates borrowing $12,831—significantly less than many cosmetology programs nationally, though still above the national median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans with most of their first year's income, which is manageable for this field. Earnings do grow 23% by year four, reaching $18,514, though this still trails stronger programs in the state like Gaston College ($27,008) and Wake Technical ($23,286).

For families considering this investment, the relatively modest debt load makes the program accessible, but the below-average earning potential is concerning given that top North Carolina programs produce graduates earning 80% more. If your child is committed to cosmetology, exploring community college alternatives that deliver better earnings outcomes while maintaining lower costs would be worth the effort.