Analysis
Avalon Institute-Layton delivers surprisingly strong value in cosmetology education, with graduates earning $21,496 in their first yearβwell above the national average of $17,113 and ranking in the 88th percentile nationally. While it sits at the 60th percentile among Utah's 32 cosmetology programs, this still represents solid performance in a competitive state market where several schools push earnings above $25,000.
The debt picture is reasonable at $8,081, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38. This means graduates owe roughly 4.6 months of their first-year salary, which is sustainable for most students. The program also shows decent earning progression, with 12% growth by year four to $24,140, suggesting graduates can build their client base and increase income over time.
What makes this particularly attractive is the combination of above-average earnings with below-average debt compared to many competitors. While Utah has some higher-earning programs, Avalon offers a practical path into the beauty industry without excessive financial burden. For students seeking cosmetology training, this represents solid preparation for a career that typically rewards skill development and client relationships over time. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these results are reliable.
Where Avalon Institute-Layton Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Avalon Institute-Layton graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon Institute-Layton | $21,496 | $24,140 | +12% |
| Collectiv Academy | $20,565 | $30,570 | +49% |
| Medspa Academies | $25,502 | $27,712 | +9% |
| Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare | $24,463 | $26,356 | +8% |
| Cameo College of Essential Beauty | $22,885 | $25,342 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Utah (32 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,496 | $24,140 | $8,081 | 0.38 | |
| $27,296 | $22,825 | β | β | |
| $25,502 | $27,712 | $12,394 | 0.49 | |
| $25,253 | $21,119 | $7,668 | 0.30 | |
| $24,463 | $26,356 | $7,667 | 0.31 | |
| $22,885 | $25,342 | $6,150 | 0.27 | |
| National Median | $17,113 | β | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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-Layton, approximately 53% 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.