Cosmetology at Aveda Institute-Phoenix
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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The Aveda Institute-Phoenix stands out as a clear winner in the cosmetology field, delivering graduates who earn $23,086 in their first year—placing them in the 95th percentile nationally among similar programs. That's $6,000 more than the typical cosmetology graduate nationwide and $2,000 above Arizona's state median. Among Arizona's 24 cosmetology schools, this program ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, making it a reliable choice in a competitive state market.
The financial picture is remarkably clean for this field. With just $10,555 in median debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in less than six months of earnings. While the debt is slightly above Arizona's state median for cosmetology programs, it's well-managed given the premium earnings outcomes. The 15% earnings growth over four years shows graduates build sustainable careers rather than hitting an early ceiling.
For parents concerned about their child's return on investment in a creative field, this program delivers measurable results. The combination of strong starting salaries, manageable debt, and robust sample size (100+ graduates) provides confidence that these outcomes are reliable, not statistical flukes.
Where Aveda Institute-Phoenix Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Aveda Institute-Phoenix 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-Phoenix | $23,086 | $26,437 | +15% |
| Pure Aesthetics Natural Skincare School | $21,125 | $31,813 | +51% |
| Penrose Academy | $23,700 | $31,518 | +33% |
| Aveda Institute-Tucson | $23,086 | $26,437 | +15% |
| Tucson College of Beauty | $17,651 | $24,645 | +40% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (24 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Aveda Institute-PhoenixTempe | $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 |
 Southwest Institute of Healing ArtsTempe | $26,795 | $22,250 | $9,500 | 0.35 |
 Penrose AcademyScottsdale | $23,700 | $31,518 | $8,043 | 0.34 |
| Aveda Institute-TucsonTucson | $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 |
 International Barber CollegeChandler | $22,925 | — | $16,500 | 0.72 |
 Studio Academy of BeautyChandler | $22,434 | $22,915 | $6,333 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $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-Phoenix, approximately 38% 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 376 graduates with reported earnings and 425 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.