Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,340
87th percentile
60th percentile in Colorado
Median Debt
$9,500
4% below national median

Analysis

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The Salon Professional Academy-Colorado SpringsColorado Springs$21,340$9,5000.45
Elevate Salon Institute-WestminsterWestminster$27,005$18,694$12,0000.44
Aveda Institute-DenverDenver$26,636$29,440$12,0000.45
Paul Mitchell the School-DenverLakewood$24,952$22,164$11,8330.47
Pickens Technical CollegeAurora$4,930$22,997$22,311$9,5000.41
IBMC CollegeFort Collins$15,320$22,822$23,563$9,8320.43
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 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.