Cosmetology at University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts

Springfield, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 165 in Springfield, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,114 at University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts come in 22% above the national median of $17,289 for Cosmetology programs.

Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 26% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $21,114 far exceeding the $4,584 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #198 of 1,095 nationally, this is a top-5% Cosmetology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $21,114 to $28,131 over five years — a 33% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $21,114/yr (22% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$298K
7.4% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$4,584
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,131
33% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Cosmetology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Cosmetology at University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts?
Median debt of just $4,584 against $21,114/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Why does University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts rank so high for Cosmetology?
Ranked #198 of 1,095 programs nationally, University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts?
Beyond University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts's classroom route, 5 registered apprenticeships map to Cosmetology careers — including Barber. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology graduates?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →