Cosmetology at American Hair Academy

Mt. Pleasant, IA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 27 students in Mt. Pleasant, IA.

Program Analysis

At $10,853 per year, Cosmetology graduates from American Hair Academy earn below the $17,289 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 40% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

The $13,189 debt load exceeds a year of the $10,853 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #878 out of 1,095 programs, American Hair Academy's financial outcomes for Cosmetology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $10,853 to $23,161 over five years (113% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

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

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
41
Score
41
High End
Earnings $10,853/yr (-37% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$190K
12.0% 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
$13,189
14.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$23,161
113% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Cosmetology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

How does American Hair Academy's Cosmetology program score?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cosmetology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
What's the payoff timeline for Cosmetology from American Hair Academy?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Is American Hair Academy a good choice for Cosmetology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If American Hair Academy'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 American Hair Academy?
If American Hair Academy'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.
How could AI change the job market for Cosmetology graduates?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Cosmetology are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
Is there demand for Cosmetology workers?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. American Hair Academy graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →