Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Ridgewater College
a compact campus enrolling 2,048 students in Willmar, MN.
Program Analysis
Ridgewater College's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 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 →