Cosmetology at Madison Area Technical College
with a mid-sized student body of 9,273 in Madison, WI.
Program Analysis
At $22,152 per year, Cosmetology graduates from Madison Area Technical College significantly outpace the $17,289 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
The 48.5x 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 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.
The median debt load of $8,875 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #66 ranking out of 1,095 Cosmetology programs nationally puts Madison Area Technical College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Cosmetology Career Guide
Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.