Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Indianapolis
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Tricoci University's cosmetology program produces graduates who earn slightly above both national and Indiana medians, though it falls short of the top performers in the state. With first-year earnings of $18,846 compared to the national average of $17,113, graduates here do reasonably well—ranking in the 65th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Indiana. However, the top Indianapolis programs like Aveda Fredric's Institute and Paul Mitchell schools produce graduates earning $4,000-5,000 more annually.
The debt picture is manageable but not exceptional. At $11,944, student debt sits just above both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63—meaning graduates can expect to earn back their investment in roughly 7-8 months of work. The 18% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, bringing median pay to $22,232, though this still trails the leading programs significantly.
For parents considering this investment, Tricoci represents a middle-of-the-pack choice in a crowded Indiana market. While the program won't saddle students with crushing debt, families should weigh whether the modest premium over cheaper options justifies missing out on the higher earning potential at top-tier schools in the same city. The program works as a safe entry point into cosmetology, but ambitious students might find better returns elsewhere.
Where Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Indianapolis 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 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Indianapolis graduates compare to all programs nationally
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Indianapolis graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 65th 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 Indiana
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Indianapolis | $18,846 | $22,232 | $11,944 | 0.63 |
| Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis | $24,147 | $26,688 | $9,833 | 0.41 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Indianapolis | $23,870 | $24,635 | $9,833 | 0.41 |
| Summit Salon Academy | $21,529 | $22,057 | $11,700 | 0.54 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Merrillville | $19,685 | — | $9,833 | 0.50 |
| Ideal Beauty Academy | $19,513 | $18,702 | $8,401 | 0.43 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis Carmel | — | $24,147 | $9,833 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Indianapolis Indianapolis | — | $23,870 | $9,833 |
| Summit Salon Academy Anderson | — | $21,529 | $11,700 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Merrillville Merrillville | — | $19,685 | $9,833 |
| Ideal Beauty Academy Jeffersonville | — | $19,513 | $8,401 |
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 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Indianapolis, approximately 62% 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 351 graduates with reported earnings and 410 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.