Cosmetology at Northeastern Junior College
a compact campus enrolling 825 students in Sterling, CO.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $22,488 put Northeastern Junior College's Cosmetology program 30% above the national median of $17,289 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
The 42.1x 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.
With first-year pay of $22,488 far exceeding the $6,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #90 ranking out of 1,095 Cosmetology programs nationally puts Northeastern Junior 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
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.