Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,496
88th percentile
60th percentile in Nevada
Median Debt
$8,081
18% below national median

Analysis

Avalon Institute's cosmetology program delivers impressive earnings that significantly outperform national expectations. At $21,496 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 26% more than the national median for cosmetology programs and rank in the 88th percentile nationally—meaning this program beats nearly 9 out of 10 comparable programs across the country. The debt load of $8,081 is also reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38, which means graduates can realistically pay off their loans within two years of typical earnings.

However, within Nevada's competitive cosmetology market, this program sits in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. While still above the state median of $17,643, there are clearly stronger options in Nevada, with top programs like International Academy of Style producing graduates earning $26,349. The 12% earnings growth over four years is modest but steady, reaching $24,140 by year four.

For families seeking cosmetology training, this represents solid value—graduates earn well above national standards with manageable debt. But if you're committed to staying in Nevada, it's worth comparing against the state's top performers to ensure you're maximizing your investment in this competitive field.

Where Avalon Institute-Las Vegas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Avalon Institute-Las Vegas graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Avalon Institute-Las Vegas$21,496$24,140+12%
Medspa Academies-National Institute of Modern Aesthetics$25,502$27,712+9%
International Academy of Style$26,349$25,422-4%
Casal Institute of Nevada$19,225$23,690+23%
Paul Mitchell the School-Reno$19,523$22,945+18%

Compare to Similar Programs in Nevada

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Nevada (12 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Avalon Institute-Las VegasLas Vegas$21,496$24,140$8,0810.38
International Academy of StyleReno$26,349$25,422$9,3910.36
Medspa Academies-National Institute of Modern AestheticsLas Vegas$25,502$27,712$12,3940.49
Paul Mitchell the School-RenoReno$19,523$22,945$10,5560.54
Casal Institute of NevadaLas Vegas$19,225$23,690$9,5000.49
Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts & Sciences-SummerlinLas Vegas$17,643$19,795$9,4990.54
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Avalon Institute-Las Vegas, approximately 73% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 748 graduates with reported earnings and 875 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.