Cosmetology at South Plains College
with a mid-sized student body of 6,124 in Levelland, TX.
Program Analysis
South Plains College's Cosmetology graduates start at $11,557/yr, trailing the $17,289 national average by 33%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 77.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Cosmetology programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 40% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $9,999 represents roughly 10 months of the $11,557 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
At #49 of 1,095 nationally, this is a top-5% Cosmetology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $22,989 show a 99% jump from the $11,557 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
Cosmetology 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 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
Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.