Cosmetology at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-New York

Aveda's New York location produces graduates who start below both state and national averages but show promising upward momentum, with earnings jumping 32% by year four. However, that still means graduates earn just $22,358 four years out—roughly $11 per hour—while carrying $9,500 in debt.

The real concern is how this program stacks up against other New York cosmetology schools. At the 40th percentile statewide, Aveda graduates trail peers at schools like Aesthetic Science Institute (whose grads earn $22,638 in year one) by more than $5,700 annually. That gap matters when you're servicing debt on entry-level wages. The debt load itself sits near the median for both New York and national programs, so it's not excessive—but combined with below-average starting pay, new graduates will likely need additional income sources or financial support during those early years.

The 53% Pell grant rate suggests many students here are already financially stretched, making that initial earnings gap even more consequential. If your child is committed to cosmetology in New York, look closely at programs in the top quartile where graduates start closer to $20,000-$22,000. The difference between starting at $16,886 versus $22,000 isn't just $5,000—it's months of breathing room while building a client base.