Median Earnings (1yr)
$17,806
56th percentile (60th in FL)
Median Debt
$9,000
9% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.51
Manageable
Sample Size
424
Adequate data

Analysis

Aveda Institute-South Florida produces cosmetology graduates who earn solidly above the Florida median—$22,309 after four years compared to the state's $16,718. While this ranks in the 60th percentile among Florida's 127 cosmetology programs, it's worth noting that the top-performing programs in the state generate nearly 30% higher earnings, suggesting room for improvement in this competitive field.

The financial picture here is manageable but not exceptional. With $9,000 in median debt and first-year earnings of $17,806, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51—meaning debt represents about half of their initial annual income. The 25% earnings growth from year one to year four shows promising career progression in cosmetology, where building a client base and gaining experience typically translates to better pay over time.

For parents considering this investment, Aveda Institute offers a relatively affordable entry into cosmetology with earnings that exceed state averages. However, the modest starting salary means your child should be prepared for lean early years while building their career. The consistent earnings growth and reasonable debt load make this a viable path, though families should understand that cosmetology success often depends heavily on individual hustle and business acumen beyond what any program can teach.

Where Aveda Institute-South Florida Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Aveda Institute-South FloridaOther cosmetology programs

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-South Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally

Aveda Institute-South Florida graduates earn $18k, placing them in the 56th 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 Florida

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (127 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Aveda Institute-South Florida$17,806$22,309$9,0000.51
Florida State College at Jacksonville$29,668$16,935$13,5770.46
Palm Beach State College$24,361$29,926$9,5000.39
Pensacola State College$23,911$19,755$5,5000.23
Suncoast Technical College$22,662
Tom P. Haney Technical College$22,028$18,101
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Florida

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville
$2,878$29,668$13,577
Palm Beach State College
Lake Worth
$3,050$24,361$9,500
Pensacola State College
Pensacola
$2,348$23,911$5,500
Suncoast Technical College
Sarasota
$22,662
Tom P. Haney Technical College
Panama City
$22,028

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-South Florida, approximately 33% 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 424 graduates with reported earnings and 488 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.