Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,496
88th percentile (60th in UT)
Median Debt
$8,081
18% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.38
Manageable
Sample Size
748
Adequate data

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

Avalon Institute-LaytonOther cosmetology programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Avalon Institute-Layton$21,496$24,140$8,0810.38
Top Nails & Hair Beauty School$27,296$22,825β€”β€”
Medspa Academies$25,502$27,712$12,3940.49
Acaydia School of Aesthetics$25,253$21,119$7,6680.30
Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare$24,463$26,356$7,6670.31
Cameo College of Essential Beauty$22,885$25,342$6,1500.27
National Median$17,113β€”$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Utah

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Top Nails & Hair Beauty School
Taylorsville
β€”$27,296β€”
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.