Cosmetology at Associated Barber College of San Diego
a smaller institution with 116 students in San Diego, CA.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $12,147/yr fall 30% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 40% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.
The $15,835 debt load exceeds a year of the $12,147 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #1034 out of 1,095 programs, Associated Barber College of San Diego's financial outcomes for Cosmetology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $12,147 to $26,025 over five years (114% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.
With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Cosmetology graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal service managers, all other | $61,340 | +6.5% | 48% |
| Makeup artists, theatrical and performance | $50,280 | +8.1% | 66% |
| First-line supervisors of personal service workers | $47,080 | +6.7% | 59% |
Cosmetology Career Guide
Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.