Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts

Springfield, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate

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 and Related Personal Grooming Services programs.

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 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 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%
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 →

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 →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Overview

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services?
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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services?
There are 5 registered apprenticeships connected to Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates?
With approximately 145,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →