Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,502
95th percentile
60th percentile in Utah
Median Debt
$12,394
26% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Medspa Academies graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Medspa Academies$25,502$27,712+9%
Collectiv Academy$20,565$30,570+49%
Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare$24,463$26,356+8%
Cameo College of Essential Beauty$22,885$25,342+11%
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-West Jordan$20,460$25,241+23%

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Utah (32 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Medspa AcademiesSouth Jordan$25,502$27,712$12,3940.49
Top Nails & Hair Beauty SchoolTaylorsville$27,296$22,825
Acaydia School of AestheticsProvo$25,253$21,119$7,6680.30
Skinworks School of Advanced SkincareSalt Lake City$24,463$26,356$7,6670.31
Cameo College of Essential BeautyMurray$22,885$25,342$6,1500.27
Mandalyn AcademyAmerican Fork$21,711$24,436$7,6670.35
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 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.