Cosmetology at Meridian Community College

Meridian, MS · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 2,025 students in Meridian, MS.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $17,559 track close to the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 53.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At #73 of 1,095 programs, this Cosmetology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The limited growth from $17,559 to $20,611 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
48
Score
49
High End
Earnings $17,559/yr (2% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$212K
4.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
53.8x
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)
$3,932
Out-of-state: $5,992
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$20,611
17% 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

Other Majors at Meridian Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Meridian Community College's Cosmetology program score?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cosmetology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Meridian Community College?
Beyond Meridian Community College's classroom route, 5 registered apprenticeships map to Cosmetology careers — including Barber. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Meridian Community College find jobs?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Meridian Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in MS may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →