Cosmetology at Avery James College

Lake Charles, LA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 74 in Lake Charles, LA.

Program Analysis

Avery James College's Cosmetology graduates start at $11,718/yr, trailing the $17,289 national average by 32%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

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 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $6,254 represents roughly 6 months of the $11,718 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #881 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Avery James College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
41
Score
42
High End
Earnings $11,718/yr (-32% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$123K
1.0% 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
$6,254
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$20,289
73% 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 Avery James College'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.
Can you still earn well with Cosmetology from Avery James College?
Lower starting pay at Avery James College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Avery James College?
If Avery James 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.
Is there demand for Cosmetology workers?
The very large job market (145,700 annual openings) works in favor of Cosmetology graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →