Cosmetology at Palm Beach State College
one of the larger campuses at 20,532 students in Lake Worth, FL.
Program Analysis
At $24,361 per year, Cosmetology graduates from Palm Beach State College significantly outpace the $17,289 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
With a 123.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 33% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
The median debt load of $4,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Among 1,095 Cosmetology programs nationally, Palm Beach State College ranks #3 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.
A 44% earnings increase from $24,361 to $35,090 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
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
See the full career breakdown for Cosmetology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Palm Beach State College and 1094 other schools.