Median Debt
$7,958
19% below national median

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 Wisconsin

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (30 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Gateway Technical College$19,227$7,958
Waukesha County Technical College$27,049$9,7500.36
The Institute of Beauty and Wellness$25,029$29,220$10,5550.42
Aveda Institute-Madison$25,029$29,220$10,5550.42
The Salon Professional Academy-Onalaska$25,017$25,347$12,0000.48
Chippewa Valley Technical College$23,405$25,795$9,3950.40
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Wisconsin

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee
$4,720$27,049$9,750
The Institute of Beauty and Wellness
Milwaukee
$25,029$10,555
Aveda Institute-Madison
Madison
$25,029$10,555
The Salon Professional Academy-Onalaska
Onalaska
$25,017$12,000
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire
$4,724$23,405$9,395

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 Gateway Technical College, approximately 22% 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.