Cosmetology at Ridgewater College
a compact campus enrolling 2,048 students in Willmar, MN.
Program Analysis
Ridgewater College's Cosmetology graduates start at $21,574/yr — above the $17,289 national average, though not by a wide margin.
With a 48.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 24% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $9,500 in median debt clears fast against $21,574 in annual earnings.
At #61 of 1,095 programs, this Cosmetology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
A 31% earnings increase from $21,574 to $28,325 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
Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.