Cosmetology at Lone Star College System
serving a student body of 47,486 in The Woodlands, TX.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $18,887/yr, edging above the $17,289 national average for Cosmetology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
With a 86.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 26% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
At $5,399 in median debt against $18,887 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
Lone Star College System ranks #29 among 1,095 Cosmetology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 34% earnings increase from $18,887 to $25,298 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
Cosmetology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.