Cosmetology at Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College

Gary, IN · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 40 in Gary, IN.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $11,397 place Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At a 1.4x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #1008 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 22% earnings increase from $11,397 to $13,867 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
41
Score
42
High End
Earnings $11,397/yr (-34% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$144K
5.0% 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
$15,579
16.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$13,867
22% 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

Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Do Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College Cosmetology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
At $15,579 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Why are Cosmetology earnings lower at Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College?
Lower starting pay at Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College?
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 Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College.
What's the job market like for Cosmetology from Lil Lou's Beauty and Barber College?
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 →