Median Earnings (1yr)
$23,086
95th percentile
60th percentile in Arizona
Median Debt
$10,555
7% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Aveda Institute-Tucson 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-Tucson$23,086$26,437+15%
Pure Aesthetics Natural Skincare School$21,125$31,813+51%
Penrose Academy$23,700$31,518+33%
Aveda Institute-Phoenix$23,086$26,437+15%
Tucson College of Beauty$17,651$24,645+40%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (24 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Aveda Institute-TucsonTucson$23,086$26,437$10,5550.46
Southwest Institute of Healing ArtsTempe$26,795$22,250$9,5000.35
Penrose AcademyScottsdale$23,700$31,518$8,0430.34
Aveda Institute-PhoenixTempe$23,086$26,437$10,5550.46
International Barber CollegeChandler$22,925$16,5000.72
Studio Academy of BeautyChandler$22,434$22,915$6,3330.28
National Median$17,113$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-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.