Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other.: The DTI for this program is 62.0%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $17083) to the average debt ($10594) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 62.0%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($17083) against the typical student debt ($10594), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $17083, and with an average student debt of $10594, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.62—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 132103 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other (CIP 12.0499) is a specialized category for programs that focus on the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails, but specifically those that offer unique, niche, or interdisciplinary training not found in standard hair styling or manicuring tracks. This "Other" designation often applies to high-level programs in medical esthetics, holistic skin therapy, advanced makeup artistry for film and prosthetics, or the business management side of the global beauty and wellness industry.
This degree is ideal for students who are creative, detail-oriented, and enjoy working closely with people to enhance their confidence and physical appearance. It is a path for the "beauty professional" who wants to specialize in advanced techniques or perhaps move into the corporate, medical, or entrepreneurial side of the grooming arts.
What Is a Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts (Other) Degree?
A Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts (Other) degree goes beyond the basics of cutting hair or applying polish. It often integrates science, health, and artistry. For instance, programs under this code might focus on "Para-medical Esthetics," where students learn to assist patients with skin recovery after surgery, or "Trichology," the scientific study of hair and scalp health. It also covers specialized grooming for the entertainment industry, including high-definition makeup and character design.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train specialists in advanced skin care and non-invasive cosmetic procedures
- Prepare makeup artists for specialized fields like theater, television, and special effects
- Develop professionals who understand the chemistry and formulation of personal care products
- Address the growing intersection between beauty services and medical wellness
This structure emphasizes technical precision, hygiene and safety, and a deep understanding of human anatomy as it relates to beauty.
What Will You Learn?
Students in these programs learn to master the tools of the trade while gaining a deep understanding of the biological and chemical foundations of beauty treatments.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Analyze skin and hair types to recommend specialized treatments
- Perform advanced procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy
- Master the application of professional-grade cosmetics for different lighting and environments
- Maintain strict sterilization and sanitation protocols to ensure client safety
- Consult with clients to understand their goals and manage their expectations
- Manage the administrative and marketing aspects of a personal service business
These skills allow graduates to provide high-end, personalized services that go far beyond standard salon offerings.
Topics You May Explore
Depending on the program's focus, coursework often includes:
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Integumentary System (Skin, Hair, and Nails)
- Chemistry of Cosmetics and Product Pharmacology
- Advanced Makeup Artistry and Color Theory
- Business Ethics and Salon/Spa Management
- Medical Terminology for Estheticians
- Holistic and Wellness Approaches to Grooming
- Lighting and Photography for Makeup Artists
- Regulatory Standards and State Board Requirements
This curriculum ensures that students are not just "service providers," but experts in their specific grooming niche.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A degree in the "Other" category of cosmetology leads to specialized roles that often command higher prices and work in more exclusive environments.
Common job roles include:
- Medical Esthetician (working in dermatology or plastic surgery offices)
- Special Effects (SFX) Makeup Artist
- Permanent Makeup Artist or Micropigmentation Specialist
- Cosmetic Chemist Assistant or Product Consultant
- Spa or Medi-Spa Manager
- Trichologist (Scalp Specialist)
- High-End Grooming Consultant for celebrities or executives
- Beauty Educator or Brand Ambassador
Many professionals in this field build a "signature" brand, allowing them to travel for work or open their own specialized boutique practices.
Where Can You Work?
Professionals in advanced grooming arts are found in a variety of settings, ranging from medical to creative:
- Medical Spas and Dermatology Clinics
- Film and Television Production Sets
- Theater and Opera House Backstages
- Luxury Resorts and High-End Spas
- Beauty Product Manufacturing Labs (in testing and consulting roles)
- Private Studios and Boutique Salons
- Mortuaries (as reconstructive or restorative artists)
- Beauty Schools and Vocational Colleges
These environments value the combination of technical mastery and high-level professionalism.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings in specialized cosmetology are often higher than in general salons due to the advanced nature of the services provided.
- Medical Estheticians typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000, often with commissions and benefits.
- Film and TV Makeup Artists can earn $60,000 to $100,000+, depending on the production and union status.
- Specialized Spa Managers often see salaries ranging from $55,000 to $80,000.
- Independent Specialists (like permanent makeup artists) can earn significantly more, often charging several hundred dollars per hour-long session.
Income in this field is highly scalable based on the professional's reputation, location, and the level of specialization they offer.
Is This Degree Hard?
The academic part of the program involves significant study of biology and chemistry, which can be challenging. However, the true difficulty lies in the hands-on practice. You must develop incredible fine motor skills, steady hands, and the physical stamina to stand for much of the day. You must also be a "social athlete," as you will be in close physical proximity to clients all day, requiring constant emotional intelligence and communication.
Success requires a "perfectionist" mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning, as beauty technology changes rapidly.
Degree Levels and Learning Formats
Programs vary based on the depth of specialization required:
- Certificates and Diplomas are common for specific technical skills like lash extension or basic makeup.
- Associate Degrees are standard for esthetics and advanced cosmetology licensure.
- Bachelor’s Degrees are often pursued by those who want to enter the business, management, or product development side of the industry.
Because this is a hands-on field, most programs are in-person or hybrid. You will spend hundreds of hours in a "clinic" or "lab" environment working on mannequins and real clients under supervision to meet state licensure requirements.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Have a natural talent for art, design, or color
- Are fascinated by the science of skin and hair care
- Enjoy working one-on-one with people and helping them feel better about themselves
- Are a "perfectionist" when it comes to small, detailed tasks
- Want a career that allows for flexibility or entrepreneurship
- Are interested in the intersection of health, medicine, and beauty
It is the perfect path for the "creative scientist" who wants to use their hands to transform others.
How to Prepare in High School
If you are interested in advanced grooming arts, you can start building your skills now:
- Take classes in Biology, Chemistry, and Art
- Practice makeup, hair, or nail art on friends and family to build your portfolio
- Volunteer at a local community theater to help with costumes and makeup
- Work a part-time job in a retail beauty or skincare store to learn about products
- Focus on building strong "people skills" and a professional demeanor
You do not need prior training to enroll in a program. A strong eye for detail, a creative spirit, and a commitment to professional hygiene are the most important qualities for success.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor