Cosmetology at The Academy of Hair Design Six

At first glance, a $10,500 debt load for barely minimum-wage earnings looks worrisome—and it is. But context matters here. These numbers sit right at Mississippi's median for cosmetology programs, meaning this is less about The Academy of Hair Design Six specifically and more about the economic reality of starting a beauty career in Mississippi. Graduates earn slightly below the state median ($14,127 vs. $14,236 after four years), ranking in the 40th percentile statewide, while top programs like Hinds Community College produce graduates earning $17,700—about 25% more for likely similar training.

The bigger concern is that even Mississippi's best cosmetology programs struggle to deliver strong initial earnings, and this program falls in the bottom fifth nationally. With 84% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are taking on debt they can't easily afford for a credential that leads to earnings well below the poverty line for a family of two. While cosmetology can eventually become profitable through building a client base, tips, or booth rental, the first few years will be financially precarious. If your child is set on this career path in the Hattiesburg area, comparing the $10,500 debt here against what other local programs charge would be essential—paying less for similar outcomes could make the difference between manageable and crushing debt on these wages.