Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Cortiva Institute
with a smaller student body of 251 in Linthicum, MD.
Program Analysis
At $20,754 per year, Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates from Cortiva Institute earn slightly above the $17,289 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $6,967 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #251 of 1,095 nationally, this is a top-5% Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $20,754 to $27,921 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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% |
About Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Careers
Your day will be hands-on, creative, and social. You might spend it behind the chair with scissors and foils, transforming a client’s style, or at a dedicated station, meticulously performing manicures. Others find their niche in quiet spa rooms, providing facials and expert skincare advice. The work is built on direct interaction and trust, turning first-time customers into loyal regulars.
Read the full Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career guide →