Cosmetology at Elaine Sterling Institute

Atlanta, GA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 653 in Atlanta, GA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $15,263/yr, roughly in line with the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 40% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

The $9,500 debt-to-$15,263 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #802 out of 1,095 programs, Elaine Sterling Institute's financial outcomes for Cosmetology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $15,263 to $26,456 over five years (73% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

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

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $15,263/yr (-12% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$268K
12.0% 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
$9,500
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$26,456
73% 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 Elaine Sterling Institute?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Elaine Sterling 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 could AI change the job market for Cosmetology graduates?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Cosmetology are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology graduates?
The career paths mapped to Cosmetology have roughly 145,700 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →