Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Northern Michigan University
Northern Michigan University accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 6,425 in Marquette, MI.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $21,628 put Northern Michigan University's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program 25% above the national median of $17,289 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
The 17.0x 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 $21,628 far exceeding the $9,833 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #1071 out of 1,095 programs, Northern Michigan University's financial outcomes for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
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
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 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 →