Cosmetology at Washburn Institute of Technology

Topeka, KS · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

With a 41% acceptance rate, Washburn Institute of Technology is moderately selective, a smaller institution with 490 students in Topeka, KS.

Program Analysis

Washburn Institute of Technology Cosmetology graduates command $22,547/yr out of the gate, well above the $17,289 national median. That 30% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 25.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% 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 — $6,792 in median debt clears fast against $22,547 in annual earnings.

A #354 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Washburn Institute of Technology in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
41
Low End
43
Score
44
High End
Earnings $22,547/yr (30% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$236K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
25.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition
$9,120
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,792
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings

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

Cosmetology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Washburn Institute of Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Washburn Institute of Technology?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Washburn Institute of Technology?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Cosmetology. For students weighing Washburn Institute of Technology's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology graduates?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Washburn Institute of Technology graduates specifically, local market conditions in KS may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →