Analysis
Twin City Beauty College graduates earn about 40% more than the typical Michigan cosmetology program graduate—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—while keeping debt manageable at $9,500. With first-year earnings of $18,009 that grow to over $21,000 by year four, this program outperforms not just the state median ($15,179) but also the national benchmark. The debt burden is reasonable for the field: graduates owe roughly half of what they'll earn in their first year, slightly better than both state and national averages.
The 19% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates build sustainable careers rather than hitting an immediate ceiling. While you won't find six-figure salaries in cosmetology, these outcomes show students can expect steady income progression. The program serves a significant population of Pell Grant recipients (40%), indicating it provides accessible training that translates to above-average results in a competitive Michigan market with 41 cosmetology schools.
For families concerned about beauty school being a risky investment, Twin City's track record should be reassuring. Graduates outperform most competitors while taking on less debt than programs at schools like Paul Mitchell or Douglas J, which charge more but don't necessarily deliver better earnings. This is one of the stronger cosmetology programs in the state for students serious about the profession.
Where Twin City Beauty College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Twin City Beauty College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin City Beauty College | $18,009 | $21,363 | +19% |
| Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber School | $20,460 | $25,241 | +23% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Grand Rapids | $18,410 | $24,204 | +31% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Michigan | $16,464 | $22,368 | +36% |
| Douglas J Aveda Institute | $18,082 | $21,047 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $18,009 | $21,363 | $9,500 | 0.53 | |
| $13,304 | $21,628 | — | $9,833 | 0.45 | |
| — | $20,460 | $25,241 | $10,556 | 0.52 | |
| — | $18,580 | $18,042 | $9,833 | 0.53 | |
| — | $18,410 | $24,204 | $9,833 | 0.53 | |
| — | $18,082 | $21,047 | $9,833 | 0.54 | |
| 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 Twin City Beauty College, approximately 40% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 107 graduates with reported earnings and 123 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.