Cosmetology at Del Mar College

Corpus Christi, TX · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

serving 9,038 students in Corpus Christi, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $13,099 place Del Mar College below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 42.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Del Mar College ranks #220 among 1,095 Cosmetology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $13,099 to $14,364 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.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
44
Score
44
High End
Earnings $13,099/yr (-24% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$146K
2.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
42.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,440
Out-of-state: $6,050
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$14,364
10% 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 Del Mar College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Del Mar College?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Why does Del Mar College rank so high for Cosmetology?
Ranked #220 of 1,095 programs nationally, Del Mar College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Why are Cosmetology earnings lower at Del Mar College?
Lower starting pay at Del Mar College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology graduates?
Beyond Del Mar College'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.
Is there demand for Cosmetology workers?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Del Mar College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →