Cosmetology at Avalon Institute-Mesa
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Avalon Institute-Mesa delivers surprisingly strong results for cosmetology training, with graduates earning $21,496 in their first year—significantly outperforming the national average of $17,113 and ranking in the 88th percentile nationally. While it sits in the middle of Arizona's cosmetology programs (60th percentile statewide), the earnings still exceed Arizona's median of $21,132, making it a solid choice within a competitive state market.
The debt picture is manageable at $8,081, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38—meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within about five months of full-time work. This compares favorably to both national and state debt medians, though the program does carry slightly more debt than some Arizona competitors. The 12% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests decent career progression potential in the field.
For parents considering this investment, Avalon Institute represents good value in cosmetology education. Your child would graduate with below-average debt while earning above-average wages, both nationally and within Arizona. While not the absolute top performer in the state, the combination of strong earnings and reasonable debt makes this a financially sound choice for entering the beauty industry.
Where Avalon Institute-Mesa 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-Mesa graduates compare to all programs nationally
Avalon Institute-Mesa 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 Arizona
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon Institute-Mesa | $21,496 | $24,140 | $8,081 | 0.38 |
| Southwest Institute of Healing Arts | $26,795 | $22,250 | $9,500 | 0.35 |
| Penrose Academy | $23,700 | $31,518 | $8,043 | 0.34 |
| Aveda Institute-Phoenix | $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 |
| Aveda Institute-Tucson | $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 |
| International Barber College | $22,925 | — | $16,500 | 0.72 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Tempe | — | $26,795 | $9,500 |
| Penrose Academy Scottsdale | — | $23,700 | $8,043 |
| Aveda Institute-Phoenix Tempe | — | $23,086 | $10,555 |
| Aveda Institute-Tucson Tucson | — | $23,086 | $10,555 |
| International Barber College Chandler | — | $22,925 | $16,500 |
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-Mesa, approximately 57% 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.