Median Earnings (1yr)
$22,822
95th percentile (60th in CO)
Median Debt
$9,832
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.43
Manageable
Sample Size
297
Adequate data

Analysis

IBMC College's cosmetology program outperforms 95% of similar programs nationwide—a remarkable achievement in a field where most graduates struggle to reach $20,000 annually. With first-year earnings of $22,822 and debt under $10,000, graduates here earn roughly $5,700 more than the typical cosmetology certificate holder while taking on essentially average debt. That 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, easily manageable in this profession.

The Colorado context adds nuance: while this program excels nationally, it ranks in the middle of the pack within the state, where several programs crack $25,000 in first-year earnings. The $20,014 state median suggests Colorado's cosmetology market is stronger overall, and IBMC sits comfortably above that benchmark but below the top-tier programs in Westminster and Denver. With 81% of students receiving Pell grants, IBMC serves a predominantly low-income population, making its solid outcomes particularly meaningful.

For families considering cosmetology training, IBMC represents a safe, proven option that delivers better-than-average results without excessive debt. Your child won't reach beautician riches here—earnings growth is modest—but they'll enter the workforce earning more than most peers nationally while keeping debt manageable. If staying in Fort Collins matters more than chasing an extra $3,000-$4,000 annually, this program works.

Where IBMC College Stands

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

IBMC CollegeOther 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 IBMC College graduates compare to all programs nationally

IBMC College graduates earn $23k, placing them in the 95th 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 Colorado

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (28 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
IBMC College$22,822$23,563$9,8320.43
Elevate Salon Institute-Westminster$27,005$18,694$12,0000.44
Aveda Institute-Denver$26,636$29,440$12,0000.45
Paul Mitchell the School-Denver$24,952$22,164$11,8330.47
Pickens Technical College$22,997$22,311$9,5000.41
Northeastern Junior College$22,488—$8,5000.38
National Median$17,113—$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Colorado

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Elevate Salon Institute-Westminster
Westminster
—$27,005$12,000
Aveda Institute-Denver
Denver
—$26,636$12,000
Paul Mitchell the School-Denver
Lakewood
—$24,952$11,833
Pickens Technical College
Aurora
$4,930$22,997$9,500
Northeastern Junior College
Sterling
$5,582$22,488$8,500

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 IBMC College, approximately 81% 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.