Cosmetology at Spa Tech Institute-Plymouth
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
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 Spa Tech Institute-Plymouth graduates compare to all programs nationally
Spa Tech Institute-Plymouth graduates earn $21k, placing them in the 85th 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 Massachusetts
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (22 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spa Tech Institute-Plymouth | $21,124 | $23,325 | $7,117 | 0.34 |
| Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics | $26,234 | $24,607 | $7,667 | 0.29 |
| Spa Tech Institute-Westboro | $21,124 | $23,325 | $7,117 | 0.34 |
| COLLECTIV Academy-Worcester | $20,720 | $26,886 | $10,667 | 0.51 |
| EINE Inc | $20,496 | $26,067 | $8,833 | 0.43 |
| Rob Roy Academy-Fall River | $18,364 | — | $9,500 | 0.52 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics Woburn | — | $26,234 | $7,667 |
| Spa Tech Institute-Westboro Westborough | — | $21,124 | $7,117 |
| COLLECTIV Academy-Worcester Worcester | — | $20,720 | $10,667 |
| EINE Inc Tewksbury | — | $20,496 | $8,833 |
| Rob Roy Academy-Fall River Fall River | — | $18,364 | $9,500 |
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.