Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Washburn Institute of Technology
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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 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 — $6,792 in median debt clears fast against $22,547 in annual earnings.
A #354 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs places Washburn Institute of Technology in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
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 →