Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems at Aveda Institute-Madison

These numbers carry a major asterisk: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, this data could easily shift with just a handful of different outcomes. That said, the snapshot shows first-year earnings of $18,235 against $10,666 in debt—manageable debt levels, but wages that fall 30% below the national median for this field.

Here's the Wisconsin twist: while this program ranks in just the 10th percentile nationally, it actually hits the 60th percentile among Wisconsin's four alternative medicine programs. That's not because Aveda performs exceptionally—it's because Wisconsin's entire alternative medicine landscape trends lower than the national market. You're looking at debt that takes about seven months of gross income to repay, which is reasonable, but earnings that would barely cover basic living expenses in Madison, where a studio apartment alone can run $1,000+ monthly.

For families banking on this certificate launching a stable career, the reality check matters more than the state ranking. At $18,235 annually, graduates would need supplemental income, a second job, or a clear plan to advance quickly beyond entry-level positions. If your student is passionate about wellness careers, consider whether this short certificate is a stepping stone to additional credentials or meant as standalone career preparation—because these earnings suggest the former makes more financial sense.