Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services programs nationally puts Northeastern Junior College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services 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% |
About Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Careers
Your day will be hands-on, creative, and social. You might spend it behind the chair with scissors and foils, transforming a client’s style, or at a dedicated station, meticulously performing manicures. Others find their niche in quiet spa rooms, providing facials and expert skincare advice. The work is built on direct interaction and trust, turning first-time customers into loyal regulars.
Read the full Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career guide →