Cosmetology at Athens Technical College

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

with a smaller student body of 3,153 in Athens, GA.

Program Analysis

Athens Technical College's Cosmetology program produces graduates earning $16,178/yr — within striking distance of the $17,289 national average for this trade.

With a 87.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 40% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Athens Technical College ranks #33 among 1,095 Cosmetology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $16,178-to-$25,269 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

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

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
53
Score
54
High End
Earnings $16,178/yr (-6% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$281K
11.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
88.6x
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)
$25,269
56% 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 Athens Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at Athens Technical College?
At 53/100, Athens Technical College's Cosmetology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Athens Technical College one of the best schools for Cosmetology?
Ranked #33 of 1,095 programs nationally, Athens Technical College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology graduates?
If Athens Technical 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.
How sensitive is Cosmetology to AI disruption?
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.
What's the job market like for Cosmetology from Athens Technical College?
With approximately 145,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Cosmetology offers a very large employment pool. Athens Technical College graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →