Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Universal Spa Training Academy
with a smaller student body of 144 in Downers Grove, IL.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $18,078/yr, roughly in line with the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 33% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $18,078 far exceeding the $7,917 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #490 of 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs, Universal Spa Training Academy scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $18,078 to $26,182 over five years — a 45% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 →