Cosmetology at McLennan Community College
a compact campus enrolling 4,997 students in Waco, TX.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $16,879 track close to the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 64.5x 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 $5,776 in median debt against $16,879 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
McLennan Community College ranks #54 among 1,095 Cosmetology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 33% earnings increase from $16,879 to $22,492 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
See the full career breakdown for Cosmetology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from McLennan Community College and 1094 other schools.