Cosmetology at Medspa Academies-National Institute of Modern Aesthetics
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
nima.eduAnalysis
Medspa Academies graduates earn $27,712 four years out—about 57% more than the typical Nevada cosmetology graduate and nearly double the national median. That's a significant premium, particularly when you consider the program costs less than $3,000 more than the state average in debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means graduates can realistically manage their loans, even with first-year earnings around $25,500.
The earnings gap between this program and competitors is striking. Only International Academy of Style produces comparable outcomes in Nevada, while most other programs leave graduates earning $17,000-$19,000 annually. The 9% earnings growth from year one to year four is modest but steady, suggesting graduates build sustainable careers rather than experiencing the income volatility common in cosmetology. The school serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (43%), indicating it's not just selecting wealthy students already positioned for success.
For parents concerned about beauty industry credentials, this program demonstrates that specialized training in medical aesthetics commands meaningfully higher pay than traditional cosmetology. The investment—roughly half a year's salary in debt—should be manageable for graduates who maintain employment in the field. This represents one of the clearer success stories in Nevada cosmetology education.
Where Medspa Academies-National Institute of Modern Aesthetics Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Medspa Academies-National Institute of Modern Aesthetics 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medspa Academies-National Institute of Modern Aesthetics | $25,502 | $27,712 | +9% |
| International Academy of Style | $26,349 | $25,422 | -4% |
| Avalon Institute-Las Vegas | $21,496 | $24,140 | +12% |
| Casal Institute of Nevada | $19,225 | $23,690 | +23% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Reno | $19,523 | $22,945 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nevada
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Nevada (12 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,502 | $27,712 | $12,394 | 0.49 | |
| $26,349 | $25,422 | $9,391 | 0.36 | |
| $21,496 | $24,140 | $8,081 | 0.38 | |
| $19,523 | $22,945 | $10,556 | 0.54 | |
| $19,225 | $23,690 | $9,500 | 0.49 | |
| $17,643 | $19,795 | $9,499 | 0.54 | |
| 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 Medspa Academies-National Institute of Modern Aesthetics, approximately 43% 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 199 graduates with reported earnings and 217 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.