Median Earnings (1yr)
$20,565
80th percentile
60th percentile in Utah
Median Debt
$10,194
3% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Collectiv AcademySandy$20,565$30,570$10,1940.50
Top Nails & Hair Beauty SchoolTaylorsville$27,296$22,825
Medspa AcademiesSouth Jordan$25,502$27,712$12,3940.49
Acaydia School of AestheticsProvo$25,253$21,119$7,6680.30
Skinworks School of Advanced SkincareSalt Lake City$24,463$26,356$7,6670.31
Cameo College of Essential BeautyMurray$22,885$25,342$6,1500.27
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.