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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,502 | $27,712 | $12,394 | 0.49 | |
| $27,296 | $22,825 | — | — | |
| $25,253 | $21,119 | $7,668 | 0.30 | |
| $24,463 | $26,356 | $7,667 | 0.31 | |
| $22,885 | $25,342 | $6,150 | 0.27 | |
| $21,711 | $24,436 | $7,667 | 0.35 | |
| 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, 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.