Median Earnings (1yr)
$22,885
95th percentile (60th in UT)
Median Debt
$6,150
38% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27
Manageable
Sample Size
140
Adequate data

Analysis

Cameo College delivers something rare in cosmetology education: strong earnings with minimal debt burden. At $22,885 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 34% more than the national median for cosmetology programs and outpace Utah's state median by 12%. More importantly, they carry just $6,150 in debt—about two-thirds less than typical graduates in this field. That 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can realistically pay off their loans within months, not years, while building their client base.

The earnings trajectory here matters too. By year four, graduates reach $25,342, representing solid 11% growth as stylists develop their skills and clientele. While a handful of Utah programs edge slightly higher in earnings, none combine Cameo's income performance with such low debt. Among the state's 32 cosmetology programs, this one lands in the 60th percentile—solidly above average—but it's the financial accessibility that sets it apart. Nationally, it ranks in the 95th percentile for both earnings and low debt, a combination that's genuinely unusual in beauty education.

For parents worried about cosmetology school debt horror stories, this program offers a different equation. Your child can enter a licensed profession with manageable debt and competitive earning power from day one. The numbers suggest Cameo focuses on efficient training rather than extended programs that inflate costs without boosting outcomes.

Where Cameo College of Essential Beauty Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Cameo College of Essential BeautyOther 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 Cameo College of Essential Beauty graduates compare to all programs nationally

Cameo College of Essential Beauty 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 Utah

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Utah (32 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Cameo College of Essential Beauty$22,885$25,342$6,1500.27
Top Nails & Hair Beauty School$27,296$22,825——
Medspa Academies$25,502$27,712$12,3940.49
Acaydia School of Aesthetics$25,253$21,119$7,6680.30
Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare$24,463$26,356$7,6670.31
Mandalyn Academy$21,711$24,436$7,6670.35
National Median$17,113—$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Utah

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Top Nails & Hair Beauty School
Taylorsville
—$27,296—
Medspa Academies
South Jordan
—$25,502$12,394
Acaydia School of Aesthetics
Provo
—$25,253$7,668
Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare
Salt Lake City
—$24,463$7,667
Mandalyn Academy
American Fork
—$21,711$7,667

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 Cameo College of Essential Beauty, approximately 32% 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 140 graduates with reported earnings and 152 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.