Cosmetology at Aveda Institute-Phoenix
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
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
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-Phoenix graduates compare to all programs nationally
Aveda Institute-Phoenix graduates earn $23k, 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 Arizona
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda Institute-Phoenix | $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 |
| Southwest Institute of Healing Arts | $26,795 | $22,250 | $9,500 | 0.35 |
| Penrose Academy | $23,700 | $31,518 | $8,043 | 0.34 |
| Aveda Institute-Tucson | $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 |
| International Barber College | $22,925 | — | $16,500 | 0.72 |
| Studio Academy of Beauty | $22,434 | $22,915 | $6,333 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Tempe | — | $26,795 | $9,500 |
| Penrose Academy Scottsdale | — | $23,700 | $8,043 |
| Aveda Institute-Tucson Tucson | — | $23,086 | $10,555 |
| International Barber College Chandler | — | $22,925 | $16,500 |
| Studio Academy of Beauty Chandler | — | $22,434 | $6,333 |
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.