Cosmetology at Lenoir Community College

Kinston, NC · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 1,311 students in Kinston, NC.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $14,172/yr fall 18% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 57.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At #74 of 1,095 programs, this Cosmetology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
48
Score
48
High End
Earnings $14,172/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$148K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
57.7x
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)
$2,568
Out-of-state: $8,712

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

What can you do with a Cosmetology credential from Lenoir Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lenoir Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Lenoir Community College?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Why are Cosmetology earnings lower at Lenoir Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Lenoir Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Lenoir Community College?
If Lenoir Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 5 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Lenoir Community College find jobs?
With approximately 145,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Cosmetology offers a very large employment pool. Lenoir Community College graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →