Analysis
Old Town Barber College graduates earn roughly half what other Kansas cosmetology students make—$12,066 four years out versus a state median of $20,465. This program ranks in just the 10th percentile statewide, meaning nine out of ten Kansas cosmetology programs produce better earnings. The gap is stark: comparable students at Washburn Institute or Paul Mitchell earn nearly double at similar career stages.
The debt situation compounds the problem. While $14,125 isn't excessive in absolute terms, it's higher than both the state and national median for cosmetology programs, and it takes more than a full year's earnings to repay. With three-quarters of students receiving Pell grants, this cohort likely has limited financial cushion to service debt while building a client base. The modest 13% earnings growth suggests graduates struggle to gain traction even after four years in the field.
Kansas offers 23 cosmetology programs, and most significantly outperform this one. Parents whose children are committed to cosmetology training should explore alternatives within the state—Johnson County Community College, for instance, produces graduates earning $21,250 with likely lower debt. This program's combination of bottom-decile earnings and above-average debt makes it a poor value compared to readily available alternatives.
Where Old Town Barber College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Old Town Barber College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Barber College | $10,703 | $12,066 | +13% |
| Johnson County Community College | $21,250 | $28,635 | +35% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Overland Park | $22,440 | $27,891 | +24% |
| Z Hair Academy | $21,750 | $25,166 | +16% |
| Crave Beauty Academy | $21,067 | $23,326 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Old Town Barber CollegeWichita | — | $10,703 | $12,066 | $14,125 | 1.32 |
 Washburn UniversityTopeka | $9,578 | $22,547 | — | $9,000 | 0.40 |
 Washburn Institute of TechnologyTopeka | $9,120 | $22,547 | — | $9,000 | 0.40 |
 Paul Mitchell the School-Overland ParkOverland Park | — | $22,440 | $27,891 | $13,341 | 0.59 |
 Z Hair AcademyOverland Park | — | $21,750 | $25,166 | $15,333 | 0.70 |
 Johnson County Community CollegeOverland Park | $2,328 | $21,250 | $28,635 | $5,424 | 0.26 |
| National Median | — | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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 Old Town Barber College, approximately 74% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 59 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.