Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 2,875 students in Fergus Falls, MN.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $24,367 put Minnesota State Community and Technical College's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program 41% above the national median of $17,289 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 43.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services'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.
With first-year pay of $24,367 far exceeding the $7,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #60 of 1,095 nationally, this is a top-5% Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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% |
About Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Careers
Your day will be hands-on, creative, and social. You might spend it behind the chair with scissors and foils, transforming a client’s style, or at a dedicated station, meticulously performing manicures. Others find their niche in quiet spa rooms, providing facials and expert skincare advice. The work is built on direct interaction and trust, turning first-time customers into loyal regulars.
Read the full Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career guide →