Cosmetology at Washburn University
a compact campus enrolling 4,093 students in Topeka, KS.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $22,547 put Washburn University's Cosmetology program 30% above the national median of $17,289 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
The 24.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.
With first-year pay of $22,547 far exceeding the $6,792 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #355 out of 1,095 programs, Washburn University's Cosmetology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
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 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% |
Cosmetology Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Cosmetology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Washburn University and 1094 other schools.