Cosmetology at Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Aveda Fredric's Institute delivers standout results in an industry known for modest pay. First-year earnings of $24,147 place graduates in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Indiana—impressive numbers when most cosmetology programs produce median earnings around $17,000. Among the state's 28 cosmetology schools, only Paul Mitchell Indianapolis posts higher earnings. With debt under $10,000 and a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, graduates aren't burdened by the education costs that plague many beauty school students.
The 11% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates build stable client bases and refine their skills post-graduation. While $26,688 won't fund a lavish lifestyle, it represents solid footing in a field where passion often matters as much as income. The Institute serves a meaningful proportion of Pell-eligible students (37%), indicating it provides accessible training that actually translates to above-average outcomes.
For families concerned about return on investment in cosmetology training, this program checks the right boxes: competitive debt load, proven graduate success, and earnings that outpace most alternatives in Indiana and nationwide. If your child is committed to the beauty industry, this represents one of the stronger financial pathways available in the state.
Where Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis 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 Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis graduates earn $24k, placing them in the 95th 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 Indiana
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis | $24,147 | $26,688 | $9,833 | 0.41 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Indianapolis | $23,870 | $24,635 | $9,833 | 0.41 |
| Summit Salon Academy | $21,529 | $22,057 | $11,700 | 0.54 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Merrillville | $19,685 | — | $9,833 | 0.50 |
| Ideal Beauty Academy | $19,513 | $18,702 | $8,401 | 0.43 |
| Rudae's School of Beauty Culture-Ft Wayne | $19,131 | $22,549 | $11,000 | 0.57 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Indianapolis Indianapolis | — | $23,870 | $9,833 |
| Summit Salon Academy Anderson | — | $21,529 | $11,700 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Merrillville Merrillville | — | $19,685 | $9,833 |
| Ideal Beauty Academy Jeffersonville | — | $19,513 | $8,401 |
| Rudae's School of Beauty Culture-Ft Wayne Fort Wayne | — | $19,131 | $11,000 |
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 Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis, approximately 37% 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 147 graduates with reported earnings and 161 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.