Cosmetology at Cleveland Community College
with a smaller student body of 1,236 in Shelby, NC.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $13,347 place Cleveland Community College below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 72.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Cleveland Community College ranks #46 among 1,095 Cosmetology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 34% earnings increase from $13,347 to $17,944 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
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
What can you do with a Cosmetology credential from Cleveland Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.