KaiStar : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About KaiStar
Set between evergreens and the waters of Puget Sound, KaiStar University offers a grounded Pacific Northwest college experience. Academics lean into practical strengths across the sciences, business, the arts, and social sciences, with courses that favor problem solving and clear communication. Students find a quiet library, labs and studios, and plenty of study space, alongside tutoring, advising, tech support, and health and counseling services.
Campus life is low key and welcoming, with clubs, cultural nights, intramurals, and weekend hikes to nearby beaches and trails. The culture is collaborative and down to earth, and there's a steady emphasis on career readiness. A career team helps with resumes, interviews, and local connections, and the university is known for weaving community projects with Seattle Tacoma partners into classes. Federal Way's diverse food scene, transit access, and volunteer opportunities add real day to day advantages.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at KaiStar with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Washington. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Personal Services (2)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
12.0401
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Washington
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Washington Avg | WA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
39-5012 | Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $43,460 | $57,580 | +$14,120 (+32.5%) |
39-5091 | Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $75,410 | N/A | N/A |
39-5092 | Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,910 | $43,880 | +$6,970 (+18.9%) |
39-5093 | Shampooers | $30,830 | N/A | N/A |
39-5094 | Skincare Specialists | $48,670 | $62,290 | +$13,620 (+28%) |
12.0413
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Washington
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Washington Avg | WA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
39-5011 | Barbers | $47,800 | $88,670 | +$40,870 (+85.5%) |
39-5012 | Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $43,460 | $57,580 | +$14,120 (+32.5%) |
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 KaiStar
What academic programs and degree levels does KaiStar offer?
KaiStar offers 4 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (2 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 KaiStar?
KaiStar provides financial aid to 42% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,998 and average loans of $6,755.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $6,100
- State/Local grants: $4,233
- Institutional grants: $1,846
- Federal loans: $6,755
The university supports 83 students with grants and 47 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 KaiStar graduates?
KaiStar graduates earn a median salary of $30,632 after 6 years and $31,123 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $14,332 (25th percentile) to $50,222 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $55,000 (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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