Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,124
85th percentile
Median Debt
$7,117
28% below national median

Analysis

Spa Tech Institute's cosmetology program ranks in the 85th percentile nationally for graduate earnings—a standout performance in a field where most programs struggle to deliver financial returns. Graduates earn $21,124 after one year, climbing to $23,325 by year four, both figures that significantly exceed the national median of $17,113. The $7,117 debt load is notably lower than the $9,862 national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.34 that graduates can realistically manage on a beautician's income.

Within Maine, the picture is more nuanced. While Spa Tech performs well compared to Empire Beauty School, it trails slightly behind Capilo School of Hair Design for first-year earnings. Still, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide while carrying 28% less debt than the state median gives this program a competitive edge. The steady earnings growth over four years—10% isn't dramatic, but it's positive—suggests graduates are building sustainable careers rather than hitting immediate income ceilings.

For families weighing cosmetology programs, Spa Tech offers a practical path: lower-than-average debt paired with higher-than-average earnings potential. The manageable financial burden means graduates aren't spending years digging out of debt while building their client base. If your child is committed to a beauty career, this program delivers stronger outcomes than most alternatives.

Where Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook$21,124$23,325+10%
Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics$27,490$36,799+34%
Saint Paul College$32,987$36,693+11%
Capilo School of Hair Design$20,556$23,039+12%
Empire Beauty School-Maine$18,408$20,474+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maine

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Maine (3 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Spa Tech Institute-WestbrookWestbrook$21,124$23,325$7,1170.34
Capilo School of Hair DesignAugusta$20,556$23,039$9,8330.48
Empire Beauty School-MaineBangor$18,408$20,474$15,7650.86
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 Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook, approximately 34% 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.