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
Earnings Distribution
How Collectiv Academy 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collectiv Academy | $20,565 | $30,570 | +49% |
| Medspa Academies | $25,502 | $27,712 | +9% |
| Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare | $24,463 | $26,356 | +8% |
| Cameo College of Essential Beauty | $22,885 | $25,342 | +11% |
| Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-West Jordan | $20,460 | $25,241 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Utah (32 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,565 | $30,570 | $10,194 | 0.50 | |
| $27,296 | $22,825 | — | — | |
| $25,502 | $27,712 | $12,394 | 0.49 | |
| $25,253 | $21,119 | $7,668 | 0.30 | |
| $24,463 | $26,356 | $7,667 | 0.31 | |
| $22,885 | $25,342 | $6,150 | 0.27 | |
| 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 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.