Cosmetology at Meridian College

Sarasota, FL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 144 in Sarasota, FL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,848 put Meridian College's Cosmetology program 26% above the national median of $17,289 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

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.

With first-year pay of $21,848 far exceeding the $10,819 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Meridian College ranks #234 among 1,095 Cosmetology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
41
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $21,848/yr (26% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$229K
1.0% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$10,819
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings

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

See the full career breakdown for Cosmetology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Meridian College and 1094 other schools.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Meridian College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Meridian College's Cosmetology program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Is Meridian College one of the best schools for Cosmetology?
The #234 ranking out of 1,095 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Meridian College?
If Meridian 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.
Is there demand for Cosmetology workers?
With approximately 145,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Cosmetology offers a very large employment pool. Meridian College graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →