Cosmetology at Chattanooga State Community College
a smaller institution with 4,689 students in Chattanooga, TN.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $18,593 at Chattanooga State Community College come in 8% above the national median of $17,289 for Cosmetology programs.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 44.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Cosmetology programs nationally.
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 4% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $18,593 far exceeding the $7,198 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #117 of 1,095 nationally, this is a top-5% Cosmetology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $20,120 are relatively flat compared to the $18,593 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.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Cosmetology Career Guide
What can you do with a Cosmetology credential from Chattanooga State Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.