Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,009
58th percentile
60th percentile in Michigan
Median Debt
$9,500
4% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Twin City Beauty CollegeSaint Joseph$18,009$21,363$9,5000.53
Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette$13,304$21,628$9,8330.45
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber SchoolSouthgate$20,460$25,241$10,5560.52
Paul Mitchell the School-Great LakesPort Huron$18,580$18,042$9,8330.53
Paul Mitchell the School-Grand RapidsKentwood$18,410$24,204$9,8330.53
Douglas J Aveda InstituteEast Lansing$18,082$21,047$9,8330.54
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.