Cosmetology at College of Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 154 students in Wilmington, NC.

Program Analysis

College of Wilmington's Cosmetology graduates start at $19,962/yr — above the $17,289 national average, though not by a wide margin.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

The $13,666 debt-to-$19,962 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #211 out of 1,095 programs, College of Wilmington's Cosmetology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $19,962 to $23,204 over five years (16% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
44
High End
Earnings $19,962/yr (15% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$238K
3.8% 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
$13,666
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$23,204
16% 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

Other Majors at College of Wilmington

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at College of Wilmington?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cosmetology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Why does College of Wilmington rank so high for Cosmetology?
The #211 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.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at College of Wilmington?
Beyond College of Wilmington's classroom route, 5 registered apprenticeships map to Cosmetology careers — including Barber. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
What's the job market like for Cosmetology from College of Wilmington?
With approximately 145,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Cosmetology offers a very large employment pool. College of Wilmington graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →