Cosmetology at Pearl River Community College

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

with a smaller student body of 4,725 in Poplarville, MS.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $7,580/yr fall 56% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 35.9x 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 40% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

At #615 out of 1,095 programs, Pearl River Community College's financial outcomes for Cosmetology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $7,580 to $16,709 over five years (120% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
35
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $7,580/yr (-56% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$133K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
36.4x
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)
$3,650
Out-of-state: $5,650
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$16,709
120% 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 Pearl River Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Pearl River Community College's Cosmetology program score?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Can you still earn well with Cosmetology from Pearl River Community College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Pearl River Community College?
Yes — 5 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Cosmetology career paths, including Barber. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Pearl River Community College.
How could AI change the job market for Cosmetology graduates?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Cosmetology are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Pearl River Community College find jobs?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Pearl River Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →