Analysis
Casal Institute graduates earn substantially more than typical cosmetology program completers, outperforming both state and national medians by meaningful margins. At $19,225 in year one, earnings sit in the 68th percentile nationally and 60th within Nevada—solid positioning for a certificate program where many students start closer to minimum wage. The $9,500 debt load is manageable, requiring about half a year's initial earnings to repay, and the 23% earnings growth to $23,690 by year four suggests graduates are building successful practices or clientele.
Within Nevada's competitive landscape, Casal falls in the middle tier but represents better value than what earnings alone suggest. While top performers like International Academy of Style hit $26,000+, those programs likely carry higher costs. Casal's combination of above-median outcomes and reasonable debt creates a lower-risk pathway into the field, particularly important since 64% of students receive Pell grants and may have limited financial cushion for setbacks.
For parents worried about cosmetology's earning potential, this data shows two key things: graduates consistently work in the field (robust sample size confirms strong employment), and income climbs meaningfully with experience. The debt is recoverable within a year if managed carefully, making this a viable investment for students genuinely committed to beauty industry careers.
Where Casal Institute of Nevada Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Casal Institute of Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casal Institute of Nevada | $19,225 | $23,690 | +23% |
| Medspa Academies-National Institute of Modern Aesthetics | $25,502 | $27,712 | +9% |
| International Academy of Style | $26,349 | $25,422 | -4% |
| Avalon Institute-Las Vegas | $21,496 | $24,140 | +12% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Reno | $19,523 | $22,945 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nevada
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Nevada (12 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,225 | $23,690 | $9,500 | 0.49 | |
| $26,349 | $25,422 | $9,391 | 0.36 | |
| $25,502 | $27,712 | $12,394 | 0.49 | |
| $21,496 | $24,140 | $8,081 | 0.38 | |
| $19,523 | $22,945 | $10,556 | 0.54 | |
| $17,643 | $19,795 | $9,499 | 0.54 | |
| 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 Casal Institute of Nevada, approximately 64% 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 265 graduates with reported earnings and 312 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.