Median Earnings (1yr)
$22,822
95th percentile
60th percentile in Colorado
Median Debt
$9,832
At national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How IBMC College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
IBMC College$22,822$23,563+3%
Aveda Institute-Denver$26,636$29,440+11%
Tigi Hairdressing Academy-Colorado Springs$21,501$26,021+21%
United Beauty College$19,322$23,275+20%
Cheeks Beauty Academy$20,746$22,347+8%

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
IBMC CollegeFort Collins$15,320$22,822$23,563$9,8320.43
Elevate Salon Institute-WestminsterWestminster$27,005$18,694$12,0000.44
Aveda Institute-DenverDenver$26,636$29,440$12,0000.45
Paul Mitchell the School-DenverLakewood$24,952$22,164$11,8330.47
Pickens Technical CollegeAurora$4,930$22,997$22,311$9,5000.41
Northeastern Junior CollegeSterling$5,582$22,488$8,5000.38
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.