Analysis
Brown Aveda Institute-Strongsville graduates earn about $4,000 more than the typical Ohio cosmetology program graduate, though with slightly lower debt. That's a meaningful difference in a field where every dollar counts—first-year earnings of $20,873 put this program in the 83rd percentile nationally and solidly above the $17,110 state median. The debt load of $10,899 is manageable, representing about six months of first-year earnings, which is reasonable for a credential that gets students working quickly.
The earnings trajectory shows steady growth, with graduates reaching $23,248 by year four—an 11% increase that suggests graduates are building skills and clientele over time. That said, this program doesn't quite crack the top tier in Ohio, trailing schools like Paul Mitchell Columbus and Salon Institute Toledo by a couple thousand dollars annually. Given that nearly half of students here receive Pell grants, the relatively modest debt burden is particularly important for families without financial cushion.
For parents weighing options, this represents a solid middle-ground choice in Ohio's competitive cosmetology landscape. Your child will likely earn more than at most programs while taking on reasonable debt, though the top-performing schools in the state do offer slightly better earning potential. The combination of above-average outcomes and controlled costs makes this a practical path into the beauty industry.
Where Brown Aveda Institute-Strongsville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Brown Aveda Institute-Strongsville 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Aveda Institute-Strongsville | $20,873 | $23,248 | +11% |
| Aveda Fredric's Institute-Cincinnati | $22,160 | $28,714 | +30% |
| Moler-Pickens Beauty Academy | $21,650 | $27,450 | +27% |
| The Spa School | $20,256 | $26,524 | +31% |
| Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology-North Dayton | $16,806 | $24,029 | +43% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (59 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,873 | $23,248 | $10,899 | 0.52 | |
| $23,788 | $21,934 | $13,833 | 0.58 | |
| $22,672 | $22,840 | $12,000 | 0.53 | |
| $22,637 | $17,614 | $11,166 | 0.49 | |
| $22,160 | $28,714 | $9,833 | 0.44 | |
| $21,819 | $19,376 | $11,140 | 0.51 | |
| 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 Brown Aveda Institute-Strongsville, approximately 49% 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 232 graduates with reported earnings and 278 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.