Douglas Education Center (DEC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Douglas Education Center
Set in Monessen, a quiet river town in the Pittsburgh region, Douglas Education Center is known for hands-on, career-focused study in applied arts, media, and personal services. Classes lean practical, with studios and labs that feel like real workplaces. Faculty bring industry experience, and students get advising, tutoring, and career support that sticks. Small campus, big personality.
Student life revolves around making things: team projects, showcases, and critiques that build a portfolio in a tight-knit, collaborative setting. Career prep shows up early through portfolio reviews, employer visits, and connections across the Pittsburgh area. Off campus, you get small-town pace with access to city arts, productions, and service options, plus nearby parks and river views. A make-it-yourself streak gives the place a shop-floor vibe and a couple quirky traditions students talk about.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Douglas Education Center (DEC) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Pennsylvania. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Personal Services (4)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
12.0401
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.
(Cert<1y, AltPostBac)
Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Pennsylvania Avg | PA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39-5012 | Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $43,460 | $39,970 | -$3,490 (-8%) |
| 39-5091 | Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $75,410 | N/A | N/A |
| 39-5092 | Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,910 | $24,310 | -$12,600 (-34.1%) |
| 39-5093 | Shampooers | $30,830 | $25,020 | -$5,810 (-18.8%) |
| 39-5094 | Skincare Specialists | $48,670 | $46,830 | -$1,840 (-3.8%) |
12.0406
Make-Up Artist/Specialist.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Pennsylvania Avg | PA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39-5012 | Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $43,460 | $39,970 | -$3,490 (-8%) |
| 39-5091 | Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $75,410 | N/A | N/A |
12.0409
Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Pennsylvania Avg | PA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39-5094 | Skincare Specialists | $48,670 | $46,830 | -$1,840 (-3.8%) |
Transportation (2)
Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems
49.0202
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Pennsylvania Avg | PA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45-4022 | Logging Equipment Operators | $52,020 | $45,830 | -$6,190 (-11.9%) |
| 47-2071 | Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | $58,660 | $56,090 | -$2,570 (-4.4%) |
| 47-2072 | Pile Driver Operators | $79,000 | $92,470 | +$13,470 (+17.1%) |
| 47-2073 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $65,180 | $54,410 | -$10,770 (-16.5%) |
| 47-4051 | Highway Maintenance Workers | $51,410 | $44,550 | -$6,860 (-13.3%) |
| 47-4061 | Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators | $68,270 | $67,510 | -$760 (-1.1%) |
| 47-5022 | Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | $57,860 | $51,390 | -$6,470 (-11.2%) |
| 47-5023 | Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | $63,260 | $63,110 | -$150 (-0.2%) |
| 47-5032 | Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters | $66,840 | $64,220 | -$2,620 (-3.9%) |
| 47-5041 | Continuous Mining Machine Operators | $63,920 | $60,320 | -$3,600 (-5.6%) |
| 47-5049 | Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other | $67,830 | $57,630 | -$10,200 (-15%) |
| 47-5099 | Extraction Workers, All Other | $54,780 | N/A | N/A |
| 53-7021 | Crane and Tower Operators | $71,560 | $48,410 | -$23,150 (-32.4%) |
| 53-7031 | Dredge Operators | $55,820 | N/A | N/A |
| 53-7041 | Hoist and Winch Operators | $64,070 | N/A | N/A |
| 53-7199 | Material Moving Workers, All Other | $46,650 | $52,710 | +$6,060 (+13%) |
49.0205
Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor.
(AltPostBac)
Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Pennsylvania Avg | PA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1194 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,710 | $70,580 | +$1,870 (+2.7%) |
| 53-3032 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $58,400 | $53,800 | -$4,600 (-7.9%) |
| 53-3033 | Light Truck Drivers | $47,950 | $35,340 | -$12,610 (-26.3%) |
| 53-3051 | Bus Drivers, School | $46,660 | $41,160 | -$5,500 (-11.8%) |
| 53-3052 | Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $58,390 | $38,850 | -$19,540 (-33.5%) |
| 53-3053 | Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $39,070 | $29,940 | -$9,130 (-23.4%) |
Health (1)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.3501
Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Pennsylvania Avg | PA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $142,220 | +$4,320 (+3.1%) |
| 31-9011 | Massage Therapists | $63,430 | $49,790 | -$13,640 (-21.5%) |
Arts (1)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0602
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Pennsylvania Avg | PA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $96,760 | -$5,480 (-5.4%) |
| 27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $114,280 | $63,190 | -$51,090 (-44.7%) |
| 27-4031 | Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $79,870 | $52,080 | -$27,790 (-34.8%) |
| 27-4032 | Film and Video Editors | $83,530 | $59,270 | -$24,260 (-29%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Douglas Education Center (DEC)
How much does it cost to attend Douglas Education Center (DEC)?
The annual tuition at Douglas Education Center (DEC) is $18,950 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $23,025 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $7,200 (off-campus) and books and supplies $4,075.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Douglas Education Center offer?
Douglas Education Center (DEC) offers 12 academic programs across 4 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (4 programs)
- Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems (2 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Douglas Education Center?
Douglas Education Center (DEC) provides financial aid to 38% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,554 and average loans of $5,922.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,866
- State/Local grants: $6,111
- Institutional grants: $4,115
- Federal loans: $5,922
The university supports 50 students with grants and 35 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Douglas Education Center graduates?
Douglas Education Center (DEC) graduates earn a median salary of $25,006 after 6 years and $30,814 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $13,437 (25th percentile) to $44,341 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $44,800 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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