Cosmetology at Aveda Institute-Columbus

Aveda Institute-Columbus delivers surprisingly strong earnings for a cosmetology program, with graduates earning $21,089 in their first year—well above both national and state medians of around $17,100. This puts the program in the 85th percentile nationally, meaning it outperforms four out of five cosmetology schools across the country. However, within Ohio's competitive cosmetology landscape, it ranks more modestly at the 60th percentile, sitting behind several other Columbus-area schools that generate $22,000+ in first-year earnings.

The financial picture is manageable with median debt of $9,833, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47—meaning graduates typically earn back their entire debt in less than six months of work. This is particularly encouraging given that 53% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves students from lower-income families who need strong employment outcomes. The slight 2% earnings growth over four years indicates stable but limited advancement potential in the field.

For parents considering this investment, Aveda Institute-Columbus offers solid value in the cosmetology space with reasonable debt levels and above-average national outcomes. While it's not the top performer in Ohio, the strong debt-to-earnings ratio and reliable employment outcomes make it a defensible choice for students committed to the beauty industry.