Median Earnings (1yr)
$19,456
70th percentile (60th in FL)
Median Debt
$9,416
5% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.48
Manageable
Sample Size
462
Adequate data

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 salaryβ€”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

Aveda Institute-TallahasseeOther 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-Tallahassee graduates compare to all programs nationally

Aveda Institute-Tallahassee graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 70th 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-Tallahassee$19,456$24,165$9,4160.48
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$22,662β€”β€”β€”
Tom P. Haney Technical College$22,028$18,101β€”β€”
National Median$17,113β€”$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
β€”$22,662β€”
Tom P. Haney Technical College
Panama City
β€”$22,028β€”

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.