Cosmetology at Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden, AL · Public · Associate Degree · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 3,619 in Gadsden, AL.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $19,107/yr, edging above the $17,289 national average for Cosmetology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 24.8x 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 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #854 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Gadsden State Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
41
Score
42
High End
Earnings $19,107/yr (11% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$200K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
24.8x
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)
$8,064
Out-of-state: $14,160

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

What can you do with a Cosmetology credential from Gadsden State Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Gadsden State Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Gadsden State Community College's Cosmetology program score?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cosmetology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Are there apprenticeship options for Cosmetology?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Cosmetology. For students weighing Gadsden State Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Cosmetology workers?
The very large job market (145,700 annual openings) works in favor of Cosmetology graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →