Cosmetology at Southeastern Technical College

Vidalia, GA · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 1,091 students in Vidalia, GA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $12,444/yr fall 28% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 41.0x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

Ranked #419 out of 1,095 programs, Southeastern Technical College's Cosmetology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $12,444 to $12,687 over five years (2% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
43
Score
44
High End
Earnings $12,444/yr (-28% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$130K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
41.0x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,172
Out-of-state: $5,572
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$12,687
2% growth from Year 1

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

Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southeastern Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southeastern Technical College's Cosmetology program score?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Southeastern Technical College a good choice for Cosmetology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Southeastern Technical College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Southeastern Technical College?
Yes — 5 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Cosmetology career paths, including Barber. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Southeastern Technical College.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Southeastern Technical College find jobs?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Southeastern Technical College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →