Analysis
South Hills Beauty Academy produces some of the strongest earning cosmetology graduates in Pennsylvania—ranking in the 80th percentile statewide while keeping debt nearly 50% below the state median. First-year earnings of $20,852 trail only Metro Beauty Academy in Pennsylvania and sit well above both the state median ($16,236) and national median ($17,113). With just $7,662 in debt, graduates face a remarkably manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they borrow less than five months' salary—far better than the typical cosmetology program.
The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $22,780 by year four, suggesting graduates build sustainable careers rather than hitting an early ceiling. This matters in a field where many programs show flat or declining earnings. The low Pell grant percentage (10%) might indicate less aid availability, but the modest debt figures suggest students aren't compensating with excessive loans.
For a family weighing beauty school options in Pennsylvania, this program offers an unusually strong combination: competitive earnings, manageable debt, and demonstrated staying power in the profession. It's a practical path into cosmetology without the debt burden that plagues many similar programs.
Where South Hills Beauty Academy Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How South Hills Beauty Academy 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Hills Beauty Academy | $20,852 | $22,780 | +9% |
| Bella Capelli Academy | $16,192 | $25,037 | +55% |
| Bucks County School of Beauty Culture Inc | $15,797 | $24,518 | +55% |
| The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona | $19,048 | $24,115 | +27% |
| Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork | $19,624 | $23,986 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (60 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 South Hills Beauty AcademyPittsburgh | — | $20,852 | $22,780 | $7,662 | 0.37 |
 Metro Beauty AcademyAllentown | — | $21,226 | $21,774 | $13,381 | 0.63 |
 Penn Commercial Business/Technical SchoolWashington | $13,654 | $20,871 | $21,778 | $11,318 | 0.54 |
 Douglas Education CenterMonessen | $18,950 | $20,532 | $20,851 | $11,646 | 0.57 |
 Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic BodyworkLancaster | — | $19,624 | $23,986 | $7,208 | 0.37 |
 The Salon Professional Academy-AltoonaAltoona | — | $19,048 | $24,115 | $9,936 | 0.52 |
| 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 South Hills Beauty Academy, approximately 10% 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.