Cosmetology at Queen City College

Queen City College's cosmetology program stands out for one compelling reason: remarkably low debt. At $6,696, graduates owe roughly one-third of what cosmetology students typically carry—both nationally ($9,862) and across Tennessee ($9,991). This gives the program the lowest debt burden among 95% of cosmetology programs nationwide, which matters tremendously in a field where early earnings hover around $17,000-$19,000.

The earnings picture is more nuanced. First-year graduates earn $17,462, landing slightly below Tennessee's state median of $17,506 and ranking in the 40th percentile statewide. This matters because Tennessee has several stronger programs—including The Salon Professional Academy-Nashville ($25,878) and Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro ($22,176)—that produce significantly higher outcomes. By year four, earnings climb to $19,480, showing 12% growth but still trailing the top programs in the state.

For families prioritizing financial safety, this program delivers. The 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than what they'll earn in their first five months of work—a manageable burden for launching a cosmetology career. If your child is committed to this field and staying local, the minimal debt provides breathing room to build a client base. However, if they're willing to travel to Nashville or Murfreesboro, those programs offer substantially higher earning potential that could justify slightly more debt.