Cosmetology at Southern School of Beauty Inc

The earnings data here raises serious red flags, though the small sample size means these numbers might not tell the full story. At $9,375 in the first year, graduates earn barely half what typical Oklahoma cosmetology grads make ($16,174), ranking this program in just the 10th percentile statewide. Even four years out, when earnings reach $15,440, they're still trailing both state and national medians—and falling dramatically short of what nearby Tulsa Technology Center grads earn ($26,713). The $6,750 in debt is lower than state and national averages, but it's still steep given the starting salary.

The 80% Pell Grant rate signals this program serves economically vulnerable students who can least afford a credential that underperforms. While earnings do grow 65% over four years, that growth simply brings graduates closer to what most cosmetology programs deliver from day one. The limited sample size is worth noting—if only a handful of graduates reported data, these figures could shift significantly with a larger cohort.

For families considering this investment, comparison shopping is essential. Several Oklahoma cosmetology programs produce significantly stronger outcomes without dramatically higher debt loads. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to choose this specific school, the data suggests looking elsewhere in the state where graduates start their careers on firmer financial footing.