Cosmetology at Craven Community College

New Bern, NC · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 1,877 students in New Bern, NC.

Program Analysis

Craven Community College's Cosmetology graduates start at $7,388/yr, trailing the $17,289 national average by 57%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 38.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Cosmetology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #629 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Craven Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
41
Low End
42
Score
43
High End
Earnings $7,388/yr (-57% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$77K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
38.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$2,022
Out-of-state: $6,630

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%
Personal service managers, all other
$61,340
+6.5% growth 48% AI-proof
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
$50,280
+8.1% growth 66% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of personal service workers
$47,080
+6.7% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Cosmetology Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Cosmetology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Craven Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Craven Community College's Cosmetology program score?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Why are Cosmetology earnings lower at Craven Community College?
Lower starting pay at Craven Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Craven Community College?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Cosmetology. For students weighing Craven Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Craven Community College find jobs?
The very large job market (145,700 annual openings) works in favor of Cosmetology graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →