Cosmetology at Howard College

Big Spring, TX · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 1,588 in Big Spring, TX.

Program Analysis

At $13,529 per year, Cosmetology graduates from Howard College earn below the $17,289 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 71.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 29% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

Ranked #53 out of 1,095 programs, Howard College's Cosmetology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $13,529 to $18,734 shows 38% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
44
Low End
50
Score
51
High End
Earnings $13,529/yr (-22% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$200K
8.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
72.5x
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)
$2,766
Out-of-state: $6,076
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$18,734
38% 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

Cosmetology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Howard College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Howard College?
At 50/100, Howard College's Cosmetology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Why does Howard College rank so high for Cosmetology?
Ranked #53 of 1,095 programs nationally, Howard College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can you still earn well with Cosmetology from Howard College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Howard College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Howard College?
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.
What's the job market like for Cosmetology from Howard College?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Howard College graduates specifically, local market conditions in TX may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →