Cosmetology at Aveda Institute-Tucson
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Aveda Institute-Tucson stands out as a national leader in cosmetology education, with graduates earning $23,086 in their first year—placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally and well above the national median of $17,113. While the program ranks in the middle tier within Arizona (60th percentile), it still outperforms the state median by nearly $2,000 annually. The $10,555 in typical debt represents a manageable burden, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that graduates can reasonably handle.
The earnings trajectory looks promising, with income growing 15% to $26,437 by the fourth year after graduation. This growth pattern, combined with the relatively modest debt load, creates a solid foundation for career advancement in the beauty industry. Among Arizona's cosmetology schools, Aveda Institute-Tucson performs competitively, ranking among the top programs alongside its Phoenix counterpart.
For parents concerned about return on investment in vocational training, this program delivers strong results. The combination of above-average starting salaries, reasonable debt levels, and steady income growth makes this a financially sound choice for students committed to careers in cosmetology.
Where Aveda Institute-Tucson 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-Tucson graduates compare to all programs nationally
Aveda Institute-Tucson 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-Tucson | $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-Phoenix | $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-Phoenix Tempe | — | $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-Tucson, approximately 27% 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.