Cosmetology at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Seattle

Aveda Arts Seattle turns in surprisingly strong numbers for a cosmetology program, with first-year earnings of $21,785 that jump to nearly $31,000 by year four—a 42% increase that outpaces most beauty programs. While graduates start at Washington's median for cosmetology schools, they land in the 91st percentile nationally, meaning they're earning more than nine out of ten cosmetology graduates across the country. The trajectory matters here: that climb from $21,785 to $30,916 suggests graduates either build loyal clientele or transition into higher-paying salon roles as they gain experience.

The $10,111 in debt sits right at Washington's median and comes with a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio—graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. However, Aveda ranks only at the 60th percentile within Washington, with schools like Toni & Guy Shoreline and Paul Mitchell Spokane delivering $3,700-$4,700 more in first-year earnings for similar debt loads. That gap matters when monthly loan payments kick in.

For families committed to cosmetology, Aveda offers solid earnings growth and reasonable debt, particularly if the brand name carries weight in Seattle's competitive salon market. But parents should weigh whether that upward trajectory justifies starting $3,000-$4,000 behind graduates from Washington's top-performing programs—an initial gap that could take two years to close.