Median Earnings (1yr)
$24,230
95th percentile
60th percentile in Minnesota
Median Debt
$9,941
1% above national median

Analysis

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis stands out as a top performer nationally for cosmetology training, with graduates earning $24,230 in their first year—putting this program in the 95th percentile compared to similar programs across the country. That's substantially higher than the national median of $17,113, demonstrating the institute's strong reputation and industry connections deliver real value.

Within Minnesota's competitive cosmetology landscape, the program holds its own at the 60th percentile, though several in-state competitors like Saint Paul College achieve notably higher earnings. The debt load of $9,941 is reasonable and typical for the field, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. More encouraging is the 32% earnings growth trajectory, with graduates reaching nearly $32,000 by year four—suggesting strong career progression potential.

For parents considering this investment, Aveda Minneapolis offers a compelling combination of national recognition and reasonable debt burden. While it may not be the highest-earning cosmetology program in Minnesota, its consistent performance above national standards and solid earnings growth make it a reliable choice for students serious about building a cosmetology career.

Where Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis$24,230$31,992+32%
Saint Paul College$32,987$36,693+11%
Hastings Beauty School$23,396$30,145+29%
PCI Academy-Plymouth$24,178$29,405+22%
Nova Academy of Cosmetology Woodbury$24,617$28,029+14%

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute MinneapolisMinneapolis$24,230$31,992$9,9410.41
Saint Paul CollegeSaint Paul$6,318$32,987$36,693$14,2500.43
Model College of Hair DesignSaint Cloud$25,814$22,569$8,7780.34
Nova Academy of CosmetologyRochester$25,754$27,175$9,9990.39
Nova Academy of Cosmetology WoodburyWOODBURY$24,617$28,029$10,1940.41
Minnesota State Community and Technical CollegeFergus Falls$5,900$24,367$10,1690.42
National Median$17,113$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 Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis, approximately 24% 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 376 graduates with reported earnings and 408 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.