Cosmetology at Aveda Institute-Tucson
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 | |
| $26,795 | $22,250 | $9,500 | 0.35 | |
| $23,700 | $31,518 | $8,043 | 0.34 | |
| $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 | |
| $22,925 | — | $16,500 | 0.72 | |
| $22,434 | $22,915 | $6,333 | 0.28 | |
| 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-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.