Median Earnings (1yr)
$24,147
95th percentile
80th percentile in Indiana
Median Debt
$9,833
At national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis$24,147$26,688+11%
Paul Mitchell the School-Indianapolis$23,870$24,635+3%
Rudae's School of Beauty Culture-Ft Wayne$19,131$22,549+18%
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Indianapolis$18,846$22,232+18%
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Lafayette$18,846$22,232+18%

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (28 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Aveda Fredric's Institute-IndianapolisCarmel$24,147$26,688$9,8330.41
Paul Mitchell the School-IndianapolisIndianapolis$23,870$24,635$9,8330.41
Summit Salon AcademyAnderson$21,529$22,057$11,7000.54
Paul Mitchell the School-MerrillvilleMerrillville$19,685$9,8330.50
Ideal Beauty AcademyJeffersonville$19,513$18,702$8,4010.43
Rudae's School of Beauty Culture-Ft WayneFort Wayne$19,131$22,549$11,0000.57
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 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.