Cosmetology at West Michigan College of Barbering and Beauty
a compact campus enrolling 85 students in Kalamazoo, MI.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $16,485/yr, roughly in line with the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
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 40% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $11,402 represents roughly 8 months of the $16,485 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
Ranked #592 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, West Michigan College of Barbering and Beauty falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $27,793 show a 69% jump from the $16,485 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 West Michigan College of Barbering and Beauty and 1094 other schools.