Cosmetology at Designer Barber & Stylist School

Fort Smith, AR · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 91 students in Fort Smith, AR.

Program Analysis

At $17,460/yr, Cosmetology graduates from Designer Barber & Stylist School land near the $17,289 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

The $16,298 debt-to-$17,460 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #519 out of 1,095 programs, Designer Barber & Stylist School's Cosmetology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $17,460 to $17,466 over five years (0% 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.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
43
Score
43
High End
Earnings $17,460/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$183K
1.0% 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
$16,298
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$17,466
0% 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Designer Barber & Stylist School?
A score of 43/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cosmetology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology graduates?
Yes — 5 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Cosmetology career paths, including Barber. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Designer Barber & Stylist School.
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 Designer Barber & Stylist School graduates specifically, local market conditions in AR may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →