Cosmetology at Bennett Career Institute

Washington, DC · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 177 in Washington, DC.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,316 at Bennett Career Institute come in 18% above the national median of $17,289 for Cosmetology programs.

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 13% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $20,316 far exceeding the $6,333 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #254 of 1,095 nationally, this is a top-5% Cosmetology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $23,777 are relatively flat compared to the $20,316 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

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

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
44
High End
Earnings $20,316/yr (18% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$244K
4.0% 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
$6,333
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$23,777
17% 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

What can you do with a Cosmetology credential from Bennett Career Institute? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

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 Bennett Career Institute?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Bennett Career Institute one of the best schools for Cosmetology?
The #254 ranking out of 1,095 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Bennett Career Institute?
There are 5 registered apprenticeships connected to Cosmetology occupations, such as Barber and Cosmetologist. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology graduates?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Bennett Career Institute graduates specifically, local market conditions in DC may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →