Cosmetology at Medspa Academies
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Medspa Academies graduates earn roughly 50% more than the typical cosmetology program nationally, placing them in the 95th percentile—an impressive outcome for a field where many programs leave students struggling to repay even modest loans. That $25,502 first-year salary trails only a handful of Utah programs, and with debt under $12,400, graduates face a manageable 6-month payback horizon rather than the multi-year burden common elsewhere.
The state ranking tells a more nuanced story. At the 60th percentile in Utah, Medspa performs solidly but doesn't dominate the local market—Top Nails & Hair and a few specialized aesthetics schools post slightly higher earnings. Still, this middle-of-the-pack state position obscures a crucial point: Utah's cosmetology programs collectively outperform most states, so being average here means beating the vast majority of options nationwide. The 9% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates build steady client bases rather than hitting an immediate ceiling.
For parents worried about beauty school debt traps, this program offers genuine upside. The combination of below-average debt and well-above-average earnings creates breathing room most cosmetology graduates don't get. If your child is committed to this career path and considering Utah schools, Medspa belongs on a short list—though comparing it directly to the top-earning local programs makes sense given the modest price premium to attend them.
Where Medspa Academies Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
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 Medspa Academies graduates compare to all programs nationally
Medspa Academies graduates earn $26k, 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 Utah
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Utah (32 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medspa Academies | $25,502 | $27,712 | $12,394 | 0.49 |
| Top Nails & Hair Beauty School | $27,296 | $22,825 | — | — |
| Acaydia School of Aesthetics | $25,253 | $21,119 | $7,668 | 0.30 |
| Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare | $24,463 | $26,356 | $7,667 | 0.31 |
| Cameo College of Essential Beauty | $22,885 | $25,342 | $6,150 | 0.27 |
| Mandalyn Academy | $21,711 | $24,436 | $7,667 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Utah
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Nails & Hair Beauty School Taylorsville | — | $27,296 | — |
| Acaydia School of Aesthetics Provo | — | $25,253 | $7,668 |
| Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare Salt Lake City | — | $24,463 | $7,667 |
| Cameo College of Essential Beauty Murray | — | $22,885 | $6,150 |
| Mandalyn Academy American Fork | — | $21,711 | $7,667 |
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, approximately 29% 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.