Cosmetology at Aveda Institute-Denver
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
The Aveda Institute-Denver stands out as an exceptional choice for cosmetology training, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Colorado—a state with particularly strong cosmetology programs. With first-year median earnings of $26,636, graduates earn significantly more than the national average of $17,113 and outpace Colorado's median of $20,014. Among the 28 cosmetology programs in the state, only Elevate Salon Institute slightly edges out Aveda's performance.
The debt picture is equally compelling. At $12,000, student debt runs just above state and national medians but remains highly manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45. This means graduates can realistically pay off their investment in under two years while building their career. The 11% earnings growth from year one to year four, reaching $29,440, demonstrates solid income progression in a field where many programs show earnings stagnation.
For parents concerned about their child's return on investment in beauty education, Aveda Institute-Denver offers one of the strongest value propositions available. The combination of top-tier earning potential, reasonable debt load, and the Aveda brand's industry recognition creates excellent career launch conditions. While cosmetology isn't a high-earning field overall, this program maximizes outcomes within the industry.
Where Aveda Institute-Denver 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 Institute-Denver graduates compare to all programs nationally
Aveda Institute-Denver graduates earn $27k, 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 Colorado
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda Institute-Denver | $26,636 | $29,440 | $12,000 | 0.45 |
| Elevate Salon Institute-Westminster | $27,005 | $18,694 | $12,000 | 0.44 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Denver | $24,952 | $22,164 | $11,833 | 0.47 |
| Pickens Technical College | $22,997 | $22,311 | $9,500 | 0.41 |
| IBMC College | $22,822 | $23,563 | $9,832 | 0.43 |
| Northeastern Junior College | $22,488 | — | $8,500 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Colorado
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevate Salon Institute-Westminster Westminster | — | $27,005 | $12,000 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Denver Lakewood | — | $24,952 | $11,833 |
| Pickens Technical College Aurora | $4,930 | $22,997 | $9,500 |
| IBMC College Fort Collins | $15,320 | $22,822 | $9,832 |
| Northeastern Junior College Sterling | $5,582 | $22,488 | $8,500 |
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 Institute-Denver, approximately 32% 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 350 graduates with reported earnings and 375 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.