Median Earnings (1yr)
$20,565
80th percentile (60th in UT)
Median Debt
$10,194
3% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.50
Manageable
Sample Size
26
Limited data

Analysis

Collectiv Academy graduates earn nearly $10,000 more than the typical cosmetology program nationally, placing them in the 80th percentile—though with a small sample size (under 30 graduates), these numbers might not hold steady. More telling is that four-year earnings reach $30,570, representing 49% growth from year one. That's a meaningful trajectory in an industry where many workers plateau quickly.

The $10,194 in debt is manageable, sitting near the national median, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 means graduates can reasonably pay this off within a few years of moderate payments. Within Utah, however, this program ranks in the middle of the pack—several schools like Top Nails & Hair Beauty School show graduates earning $27,000+ right out of the gate. If you're comparing Utah options specifically, stronger alternatives exist.

The real question is whether this program's growth potential justifies starting at $20,565 when competitors show higher initial earnings. The 49% earnings jump suggests graduates build a viable client base over time, but you're betting on that trajectory rather than immediate returns. Given the small sample, verify these outcomes are consistent before committing—one exceptional graduate can skew the numbers significantly at this scale.

Where Collectiv Academy Stands

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

Collectiv AcademyOther 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 Collectiv Academy graduates compare to all programs nationally

Collectiv Academy graduates earn $21k, placing them in the 80th 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
Collectiv Academy$20,565$30,570$10,1940.50
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
Cameo College of Essential Beauty$22,885$25,342$6,1500.27
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
Cameo College of Essential Beauty
Murray
—$22,885$6,150

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 Collectiv Academy, approximately 52% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.