Cosmetology at Southwestern Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Earnings Distribution
How Southwestern Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southwestern Community College graduates earn $14k, placing them in the 22th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (75 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Community College | $14,354 | $17,717 | — | — |
| Gaston College | $27,008 | — | — | — |
| Central Carolina Community College | $24,101 | $23,264 | $12,167 | 0.50 |
| Wake Technical Community College | $23,286 | — | $7,693 | 0.33 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | $22,578 | $22,811 | $16,500 | 0.73 |
| Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill | $21,826 | $27,243 | $11,583 | 0.53 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaston College Dallas | $3,186 | $27,008 | — |
| Central Carolina Community College Sanford | $2,554 | $24,101 | $12,167 |
| Wake Technical Community College Raleigh | $2,336 | $23,286 | $7,693 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Salisbury | $2,064 | $22,578 | $16,500 |
| Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill Chapel Hill | — | $21,826 | $11,583 |
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 Southwestern Community College, approximately 30% 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.