Cosmetology at Aveda Institute-Denver
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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The Aveda Institute-Denver stands out as an exceptional choice for cosmetology training, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Coloradoβa 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
Earnings Distribution
How Aveda Institute-Denver graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda Institute-Denver | $26,636 | $29,440 | +11% |
| Tigi Hairdressing Academy-Colorado Springs | $21,501 | $26,021 | +21% |
| IBMC College | $22,822 | $23,563 | +3% |
| United Beauty College | $19,322 | $23,275 | +20% |
| Cheeks Beauty Academy | $20,746 | $22,347 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| β | $26,636 | $29,440 | $12,000 | 0.45 | |
| β | $27,005 | $18,694 | $12,000 | 0.44 | |
| β | $24,952 | $22,164 | $11,833 | 0.47 | |
| $4,930 | $22,997 | $22,311 | $9,500 | 0.41 | |
| $15,320 | $22,822 | $23,563 | $9,832 | 0.43 | |
| $5,582 | $22,488 | β | $8,500 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | β | $17,113 | β | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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.