Cosmetology at Elevate Salon Institute-Westminster

Elevate Salon Institute's graduates earn $27,005 in their first year—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Colorado's 28 cosmetology programs. That's 58% above the national median and 35% above Colorado's state median, making this one of the strongest-earning cosmetology programs you'll find. The $12,000 in typical debt is manageable at 44% of first-year earnings, roughly on par with what graduates at similar programs carry.

The concern here is what happens after year one. Earnings drop to $18,694 by year four—a 31% decline that's unusual even for cosmetology, where income can fluctuate based on clientele building, schedule changes, or career pivots. This pattern suggests graduates may start strong but struggle to sustain those earnings, possibly moving between salons, reducing hours, or leaving the field entirely.

For parents weighing this investment: your child would graduate with relatively low debt and immediate earning potential that beats most alternatives in both Colorado and nationwide. The program serves a largely Pell-eligible student body and delivers results. Just understand that the strong start doesn't guarantee steady income growth—building a sustainable cosmetology career requires the same hustle four years out as it does on day one. If your child has the drive to maintain and grow a client base, the financial foundation here is solid.