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

Analysis

Avalon Institute-Layton delivers surprisingly strong value in cosmetology education, with graduates earning $21,496 in their first yearβ€”well 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Avalon Institute-LaytonLayton$21,496$24,140$8,0810.38
Top Nails & Hair Beauty SchoolTaylorsville$27,296$22,825β€”β€”
Medspa AcademiesSouth Jordan$25,502$27,712$12,3940.49
Acaydia School of AestheticsProvo$25,253$21,119$7,6680.30
Skinworks School of Advanced SkincareSalt Lake City$24,463$26,356$7,6670.31
Cameo College of Essential BeautyMurray$22,885$25,342$6,1500.27
National Median$17,113β€”$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-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.