Cosmetology at Avalon Institute-Layton
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Avalon Institute-Layton graduates compare to all programs nationally
Avalon Institute-Layton graduates earn $21k, placing them in the 88th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Utah (32 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon Institute-Layton | $21,496 | $24,140 | $8,081 | 0.38 |
| Top Nails & Hair Beauty School | $27,296 | $22,825 | β | β |
| Medspa Academies | $25,502 | $27,712 | $12,394 | 0.49 |
| Acaydia School of Aesthetics | $25,253 | $21,119 | $7,668 | 0.30 |
| Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare | $24,463 | $26,356 | $7,667 | 0.31 |
| Cameo College of Essential Beauty | $22,885 | $25,342 | $6,150 | 0.27 |
| National Median | $17,113 | β | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Utah
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Nails & Hair Beauty School Taylorsville | β | $27,296 | β |
| Medspa Academies South Jordan | β | $25,502 | $12,394 |
| Acaydia School of Aesthetics Provo | β | $25,253 | $7,668 |
| Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare Salt Lake City | β | $24,463 | $7,667 |
| Cameo College of Essential Beauty Murray | β | $22,885 | $6,150 |
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.