Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,082
58th percentile (60th in MI)
Median Debt
$9,833
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.54
Manageable
Sample Size
935
Adequate data

Analysis

Douglas J Aveda Institute delivers solid value in cosmetology training, outperforming both national and Michigan benchmarks while keeping debt manageable. With first-year earnings of $18,082, graduates earn about $1,000 more than the national median and nearly $3,000 more than the typical Michigan cosmetology program. The school ranks in the 60th percentile among Michigan cosmetology programs, putting it in the upper half of state options.

The debt picture is reasonable at $9,833—exactly matching the state median and close to national norms. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, graduates can realistically manage their loans, as this falls well within the generally acceptable range for vocational programs. Earnings growth of 16% from year one to year four shows the field offers some upward mobility as graduates gain experience and potentially build clientele.

While Douglas J Aveda doesn't crack the top tier of Michigan programs (Northern Michigan University leads at $21,628), it offers dependable preparation for a cosmetology career without excessive debt burden. For students interested in beauty services, this represents a practical path to employment with earnings potential that exceeds most alternatives in the state.

Where Douglas J Aveda Institute Stands

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

Douglas J Aveda InstituteOther 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 Douglas J Aveda Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Douglas J Aveda Institute graduates earn $18k, placing them in the 58th 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 Michigan

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (41 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Douglas J Aveda Institute$18,082$21,047$9,8330.54
Northern Michigan University$21,628$9,8330.45
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber School$20,460$25,241$10,5560.52
Paul Mitchell the School-Great Lakes$18,580$18,042$9,8330.53
Paul Mitchell the School-Grand Rapids$18,410$24,204$9,8330.53
Twin City Beauty College$18,009$21,363$9,5000.53
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Northern Michigan University
Marquette
$13,304$21,628$9,833
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber School
Southgate
$20,460$10,556
Paul Mitchell the School-Great Lakes
Port Huron
$18,580$9,833
Paul Mitchell the School-Grand Rapids
Kentwood
$18,410$9,833
Twin City Beauty College
Saint Joseph
$18,009$9,500

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 Douglas J Aveda Institute, approximately 45% 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 935 graduates with reported earnings and 1037 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.