Median Earnings (1yr)
$17,806
56th percentile
60th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$9,000
9% below national median

Analysis

Aveda Institute-South Florida produces cosmetology graduates who earn solidly above the Florida medianβ€”$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 0.51β€”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

Earnings Distribution

How Aveda Institute-South Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Aveda Institute-South Florida$17,806$22,309+25%
Palm Beach State College$24,361$29,926+23%
Paul Mitchell the School-Fort Lauderdale$17,570$27,864+59%
Florida Academy$16,245$26,868+65%
Daytona College$20,872$25,239+21%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

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

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Aveda Institute-South FloridaDavieβ€”$17,806$22,309$9,0000.51
Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville$2,878$29,668$16,935$13,5770.46
Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth$3,050$24,361$29,926$9,5000.39
Pensacola State CollegePensacola$2,348$23,911$19,755$5,5000.23
Suncoast Technical CollegeSarasotaβ€”$22,662β€”β€”β€”
Tom P. Haney Technical CollegePanama Cityβ€”$22,028$18,101β€”β€”
National Medianβ€”$17,113β€”$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.