Cosmetology at Mississippi Institute of Aesthetics Nails & Cosmetology

Mississippi Institute of Aesthetics delivers mixed results—earnings that lag the national average but beat most Mississippi cosmetology programs, paired with manageable debt that's half the state median. At $5,616, graduates owe significantly less than the typical $9,919 debt carried by Mississippi cosmetology students, though their first-year earnings of $15,875 still fall about $1,200 below the national benchmark.

The 60th percentile state ranking reveals an important advantage: this program outperforms most Mississippi options while keeping debt low. Compare this to top earners like Hinds Community College ($17,704), and you'll see a roughly $1,800 annual earnings gap—but Hinds students likely graduate with nearly double the debt. The 18% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates build their client base over time, with fourth-year earnings approaching $18,700.

The real question is whether cosmetology makes financial sense in Mississippi's lower-wage environment. Even the state's top programs produce earnings well below $20,000 annually. This school minimizes the risk by keeping debt under $6,000, making it viable for students committed to the beauty industry in Mississippi. For families considering cosmetology training, prioritizing low debt over marginal earnings differences is the smartest play—this program delivers on that front.