Chris Beauty College

Life at Chris Beauty College is defined by its purpose: professional training. Founded in 1961, the college is located in an urban setting on Pass Road in Gulfport, Mississippi. The undergraduate student body is small, with estimates ranging from 52 to 105 students, and there are no reported full-time graduate students. The environment is that of a compact trade school, not a traditional residential campus; sources indicate there is no on-campus housing. The college's social media presence suggests it operates on a standard academic calendar, with announcements about closures and reopenings. There is no mention of traditional collegiate athletics, Greek life, or extensive extracurriculars. The vibe is likely one of a focused, commuter-based community of students training for a specific craft.

Outcome data paints a clear picture of the economic landscape for graduates of this trade. The graduation rate is notably high for its sector, reported between 80% and 88.1%, significantly above the national average for certificate colleges. However, post-graduation earnings are modest. Reported median earnings one year after graduation are $15,023, rising to $24,771 after five years. Other sources cite a median of $14,489 six years after enrollment or $21,740 overall. The College Scorecard notes this median earnings figure is below the midpoint for certificate-granting colleges nationally. The high graduation rate coupled with lower earnings highlights the specific trade-off of this education: it efficiently prepares students for immediate entry into the beauty industry, a field where starting wages can be low and dependent on tips, clientele, and location.

The cost of attendance is a central consideration for students entering a career-focused program. The average net price—what students pay after grants and scholarships—is reported variably as $17,940 and $21,858 per year. Financial aid is widely available, with 100% of full-time beginning undergraduates receiving some form of grant or scholarship aid. The average aid package is reported as $5,349 per year. Students are eligible for federal aid programs, including grants and direct loans, by completing the FAFSA. The college's policies note that students who receive living expense funds may be responsible for repaying unearned aid if they withdraw. There is no indication of a "no-loan" policy or a commitment to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans; the aid model appears to be a standard mix of federal grants and loans available to those who qualify.

Chris Beauty College stands out precisely because it does not try to be a traditional liberal arts college. It is a pure, unapologetic trade school with a sixty-year legacy in Gulfport. Its singularity lies in its extreme focus: it offers only beauty industry programs, maintains a rigorous 85% minimum in both theory and practical work, and boasts a graduation rate that far exceeds sector norms. This isn't a place for exploration or a well-rounded general education; it's a bootcamp for cosmetology and barbering. The open-admission policy removes a significant barrier to entry, creating an accessible path for career-changers and recent high school graduates alike. While the financial return, as measured by median earnings, is modest, the college delivers exactly what it promises: a focused, efficient credential for a specific hands-on profession. Its character is defined by this utilitarian clarity—a small, urban campus wholly dedicated to turning students into licensed beauty professionals.