Cosmetology at Aveda Institute-Boise

Aveda Institute-Boise's cosmetology program produces graduates who earn less than most competitors in Idaho, despite carrying slightly higher debt loads. While first-year earnings of $17,824 beat the national median by about $700, they fall below Idaho's state median of $18,555—landing this program in just the 40th percentile statewide. That gap matters when you consider that four nearby schools, including two other Paul Mitchell locations in the Boise area, produce graduates earning $21,620 or more annually.

The debt picture offers some reassurance: at $11,906, it's manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67, meaning graduates owe about eight months of income. The program serves a predominantly working-class population (52% receive Pell grants), and these debt levels won't trap graduates in payments they can't handle. Earnings do inch upward over four years, reaching $19,435, though this growth barely keeps pace with inflation.

For parents weighing cosmetology programs in the Boise area, this comes down to a simple question: why pay similar money for lower earning potential? Unless location or scheduling provides a compelling advantage, the Paul Mitchell schools down the road consistently produce better financial outcomes for their graduates.