Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy-Colorado Springs
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
thesalonprofessionalacademycoloradosprings.comAnalysis
The Salon Professional Academy-Colorado Springs produces earnings well above what most cosmetology programs deliver nationally, placing graduates in the 87th percentile—nearly $4,000 more than the typical program. However, within Colorado's competitive beauty school market, this represents middle-of-the-pack performance. Colorado cosmetology grads generally earn more than the national average, and this program sits right at the state median of $20,014, trailing the top five Colorado schools by $1,500 to $5,600 in first-year earnings.
The $9,500 debt burden is reasonable for the field and translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45—better than many certificate programs nationally. For a parent evaluating this against other Colorado options, the key question is whether convenience or location factors justify accepting middle-tier earnings when stronger programs exist elsewhere in the state. Nearly half the students here receive Pell grants, suggesting the school serves students with financial need who may prioritize accessibility.
This is a serviceable choice for cosmetology training that performs well nationally but doesn't stand out within Colorado. If your child has access to programs in Westminster or Denver that show significantly higher earnings, those warrant serious consideration. If location ties them to Colorado Springs specifically, this program delivers acceptable outcomes with manageable debt.
Where The Salon Professional Academy-Colorado Springs Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The Salon Professional Academy-Colorado Springs graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $21,340 | — | $9,500 | 0.45 | |
| — | $27,005 | $18,694 | $12,000 | 0.44 | |
| — | $26,636 | $29,440 | $12,000 | 0.45 | |
| — | $24,952 | $22,164 | $11,833 | 0.47 | |
| $4,930 | $22,997 | $22,311 | $9,500 | 0.41 | |
| $15,320 | $22,822 | $23,563 | $9,832 | 0.43 | |
| 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 The Salon Professional Academy-Colorado Springs, approximately 49% 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 82 graduates with reported earnings and 103 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.