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
Earnings Distribution
How Douglas J Aveda Institute 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas J Aveda Institute | $18,082 | $21,047 | +16% |
| Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber School | $20,460 | $25,241 | +23% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Grand Rapids | $18,410 | $24,204 | +31% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Michigan | $16,464 | $22,368 | +36% |
| Twin City Beauty College | $18,009 | $21,363 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Douglas J Aveda InstituteEast Lansing | — | $18,082 | $21,047 | $9,833 | 0.54 |
 Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette | $13,304 | $21,628 | — | $9,833 | 0.45 |
 Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber SchoolSouthgate | — | $20,460 | $25,241 | $10,556 | 0.52 |
 Paul Mitchell the School-Great LakesPort Huron | — | $18,580 | $18,042 | $9,833 | 0.53 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Grand RapidsKentwood | — | $18,410 | $24,204 | $9,833 | 0.53 |
 Twin City Beauty CollegeSaint Joseph | — | $18,009 | $21,363 | $9,500 | 0.53 |
| 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 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.