Analysis
With over 1,500 cosmetology programs nationwide, Aveda Institute-Tallahassee stands out by delivering graduates who earn more than 70% of their peers nationally and 60% within Florida. Starting salaries of $19,456 beat both the national median ($17,113) and Florida median ($16,718) by meaningful margins, while debt levels remain reasonable at $9,416.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means graduates typically owe less than half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that allows for reasonable repayment timelines. Perhaps more encouraging, earnings show solid growth trajectory, climbing 24% to $24,165 by year four. While this doesn't reach the top-tier Florida programs like Florida State College at Jacksonville ($29,668), it represents steady career progression in a field where many programs see earnings plateau.
For parents concerned about vocational training ROI, this program offers a practical path into cosmetology without excessive debt burden. The combination of above-average starting wages and continued earnings growth suggests graduates develop marketable skills that translate into career advancement. Given the robust sample size of 100+ graduates, these outcomes appear reliable rather than anomalous.
Where Aveda Institute-Tallahassee Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Aveda Institute-Tallahassee 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-Tallahassee | $19,456 | $24,165 | +24% |
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Aveda Institute-TallahasseeClearwater | — | $19,456 | $24,165 | $9,416 | 0.48 |
 Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville | $2,878 | $29,668 | $16,935 | $13,577 | 0.46 |
 Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth | $3,050 | $24,361 | $29,926 | $9,500 | 0.39 |
 Pensacola State CollegePensacola | $2,348 | $23,911 | $19,755 | $5,500 | 0.23 |
 Suncoast Technical CollegeSarasota | — | $22,662 | — | — | — |
 Tom P. Haney Technical CollegePanama City | — | $22,028 | $18,101 | — | — |
| 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-Tallahassee, approximately 19% 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 462 graduates with reported earnings and 514 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.