Cosmetology at Award Beauty School

Hagerstown, MD · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 132 in Hagerstown, MD.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $14,771 track close to the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $10,375 against $14,771/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #606 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Award Beauty School in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $14,771 to $15,710 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $14,771/yr (-15% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$158K
1.6% 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
$10,375
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$15,710
6% 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

Cosmetology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Award Beauty School?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Award Beauty School?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Cosmetology. For students weighing Award Beauty School's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
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 →