Analysis
Spa Tech Institute-Plymouth stands out in Massachusetts cosmetology training, producing graduates who earn significantly more than typical program outcomes—$23,325 four years out versus the state median of $17,390. That's a 34% premium over what most Massachusetts cosmetology graduates make, placing this program at the 60th percentile statewide and an impressive 85th percentile nationally.
The financial picture looks particularly favorable. At just $7,117 in median debt—about $1,600 below the state median and nearly $3,000 below the national average—students graduate with manageable obligations. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 means most graduates can realistically pay down their loans within a year or two of entering the field. While starting salaries around $21,000 won't support an independent lifestyle in Plymouth immediately, the earnings trajectory shows healthy 10% growth over four years, and graduates are outearning most of their regional peers.
For students serious about building a cosmetology career in Massachusetts, this program delivers strong value. You're paying less than average to attend a school whose graduates consistently out-earn the competition. The combination of low debt and above-average earnings makes this one of the smarter financial bets in the state's cosmetology landscape.
Where Spa Tech Institute-Plymouth Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Spa Tech Institute-Plymouth 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spa Tech Institute-Plymouth | $21,124 | $23,325 | +10% |
| COLLECTIV Academy-Worcester | $20,720 | $26,886 | +30% |
| New England Hair Academy | $17,390 | $26,294 | +51% |
| EINE Inc | $20,496 | $26,067 | +27% |
| Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics | $26,234 | $24,607 | -6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (22 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,124 | $23,325 | $7,117 | 0.34 | |
| $26,234 | $24,607 | $7,667 | 0.29 | |
| $21,124 | $23,325 | $7,117 | 0.34 | |
| $20,720 | $26,886 | $10,667 | 0.51 | |
| $20,496 | $26,067 | $8,833 | 0.43 | |
| $18,364 | — | $9,500 | 0.52 | |
| 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 Spa Tech Institute-Plymouth, approximately 32% 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 296 graduates with reported earnings and 333 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.