DO WHAT YOU LOVE
WE KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING...
A career in beauty? That’s not a real career, is it?
The salon and spa industry is a vibrant of the US economy. According to a Marketing Insights, the salon and spa $233.8 billion as of 2023 and is projected to exceed $410 billion by 2034. Like most industries, the beauty industry suffered during the COVID-19 Pandemic. But the number of personal appearance jobs is projected to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033, compared to only 4% for all US jobs.
Not only is the beauty industry a growing industry, it’s also an industry of small business owners. In fact, 1 in 3 individuals in personal appearance occupations are self-employed. In comparison, only 6% of the overall US workforce is self-employed.*
Education is about more than just the classroom. The Aveda Institute provides opportunities for our students to participate in several unique and exciting events. We’ve been recognized by magazines and industry organizations for the quality of our education in no small part due to these events.
The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) is the most prestigious photographic beauty competition in North America, celebrating the artistry and skill of the professional salon industry. Twenty-one of our students have been nominated for Student Hairstylist of the Year, with seven winning the honor. In fact, one of our students has taken the win for two years in a row in 2020 and 2021!
Beacon is an annual event held in conjunction with the Professional Beauty Association’s Beauty Week to provide the nation’s top future professionals with the guidance to achieve maximum career success. Beacon students attend the most celebrated industry events during PBA Beauty Week, including the PBA Symposium, the North American Hairstyling Awards, and Cosmoprof North America, and benefit from specially designed educational opportunities. To date, we have had 222 students selected as Beacon honorees!
Our Institutes have been recognized by Modern Salon Magazine’s Excellence in Education Awards for a number of categories, including:
• Facilities
• School Culture
• Community Involvement
• Technology
• Alumni Programs
• Placement
ESTHETICS
Our esthetics education is delivered through a meticulously structured, four-phase curriculum. As with our cosmetology curriculum, each phase is carefully crafted to build upon the last, ensuring you develop a comprehensive, deep understanding of esthetics coupled with practical, real-world application.
ESTHETICS CURRICULUM BREAK DOWN
5 Weeks
ENLIGHTEN
• Science
• Core Behaviors
• Discover Aveda
• Dream Studio
• Beautista
• Aveda Foundations
• Facial Treatments
• Hair Removal
• Back Treatment
5 Weeks
EMERGE
• Ultraceuticals
• Aveda Facial Protocols
• Body Treatments
• Aroma Body Polish
• Money by Qnuty
• Nurtur Business
• Socoal Media 101
* Empower phase is 10 weeks in Columbus and Cincinnati
5 Weeks
EXPRESS
• Makeup
• MUD Fundamentals
• Lash Extensions
• Facial Treatments with Devices
• Botanical Resurfacing
• Relaxation Massage (not offered in NC)
• Money by Qnity
• Nurtur Business
• Social Media 102
5 Weeks*
EMPOWER
• Facial Peel Fundamentals
• LED Light Therapy
• Micro Needling (NC only)
• Salon/Spa Business
• State Board Review
• Nurtur Business
• Moneu by Qnity
• Final Business Project
COSMETOLOGY
Cosmetology encompasses a variety of disciplines including hair styling, hair cutting, skin care, nails, and makeup. Our program is divided into six distinct phases. Each phase builds upon the last, integrating core skills with Aveda’s unique approach to wellness, client-centered service, and emotional intelligence.
The education starts in the classroom, where aspiring make-up artists are taught the fundamentals of make-up application and the theory necessary to adapt make-up techniques to differing conditions. A MUDcertified make-up artist can work anywhere from the retail floor to a film set to a bride’s special day.
All cosmetology students will receive Level I MUD Certification for no additional cost. Our partnership with MUD also allows for continuing education post-graduation for Level II and Level III MUD Certifications at the MUD Campus in Los Angeles
CUSTOMIZABLE COLOR
Aveda’s customizable color system allows you to develop a deeper understanding of color theory and the chemistry behind formulating, giving you skills that provide foundational expertise for any color system.
Our color is 100% Vegan and, as always, Cruelty Free and 95% Natural. It’s a true semi-permanent hair color range, lasting up to 16 shampoos, perfect for fashion colors. There are SO MANY WAYS TO WEAR VIBRANT COLOR and many different techniques and placements to choose from.
As an Aveda Institute student, your knowledge of color theory paired with the Aveda Vibrants line of fully customizable color will prepare you for any color request!
Our Nails Program incorporates theory and hands-on learning to provide you a complete understanding of beauty and wellness. Upon completion, you will be ready to take the Ohio state licensing exam.
The Nails Program is only offered at select locations, ask your admissions representative for more details.
NAILS MASSAGE
We train students in the art of touch and the application of pressure in such manners that enhance the client’s relaxation, reduce overall body fatigue, and assist in client rehabilitation
The Massage Therapy program is only offered at select locations, ask your admissions representative for more details.
WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
At the Aveda Institute, we offer both cosmetology and esthetics options for our students. If you’ve never heard those words before, that’s okay. We’ll break it down for you and help you figure out which program is the best fit to help you achieve your dreams!
2024 NAHA Finalist
Student Stylist: Julia Gates
Photo: Nohemi Capetillo
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
MARIE PANNELLBIGGS
Cosmetology Educator
Marie left behind a career in accounting to chase her dream of becoming a stylist. Since then, she has become an accomplished stylist, worked at New York Fashion Week, and inspired many future professionals as a cosmetology educator.
LEVI GRAGG
After high school, Levi followed the path others thought he should follow. It wasn’t until later that he decided to pursue his passion for beauty. He found his true calling by helping his guests express themselves and embodies our mission of “do what you love, love what you do.”
EBONY IVEY
Esthetics Team Lead
Ebony was inspired by people of color who forged a path of diversity in beauty. Today, she inspires the next generation of professionals to embrace what makes us unique.
Master Stylist
ABOVE & BEYOND
At the Aveda Institute, we don’t just teach our students how to pass the state board examination; we teach them how to succeed. Our curriculum includes modules for advanced education, Make Up Designory (MUD) certification, lash extensions from VoMor, results-focused skincare from Ultraceuticals, state-of-theart skin imaging from Sylton, dermaplaning, nano/micro needling (offering varies by
location) and Aveda’s exclusive curriculum called Learn Aveda.
We also include training in business development, financial wellness from Money by Qnity, and professional development with Beautista. This additional education will help our students stand out among all beauty school graduates. Not only will they be prepared as skilled service providers, but to be successful leaders in the beauty industry.
OUR MISSION AT AVEDA IS TO CARE
for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.
GIVING BACK
Community involvement is at the core of our mission as an Aveda Institute. We strive to embody the values put forth by Aveda founder, Horst Rechelbacher, who pioneered building relationships with communities globally and locally to further the cause of sustainability and responsible beauty.
TIP FOR A CAUSE
Each month, instead of conventional tips, guests are invited to contribute to a designated charity, allowing us to raise both funds and awareness. This initiative not only supports various causes but also educates our guests about the importance of giving back. In the last twenty years, our Institutes have raised over $1,000,000 for various charities.
EARTH MONTH
During Earth Month, we intensify our efforts to live Aveda’s mission through fundraising and awareness events. For over a decade, our Institutes have raised over $500,000 for clean water initiatives.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Every October we dedicate the entire month to Breast Cancer Awareness, raising funds through raffles, bake sales, pink ribbon sales, and our signature Beauty for a Cure event, where discounted express beauty services are offered with 100% of proceeds donated. The campaign unites our students, staff, and guests, all wearing pink in solidarity to symbolize hope and support.
AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION
2025 NAHA Finalist
Student Stylist: Imelda Mercer
Photo: Nohemi Capetillo
Each year, students have the opportunity to compete for a professional photo shoot and entry into the Professional Beauty Association’s North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) to be considered for the honor of Student Hairstylist of the Year.
Our Institutes have had 27 finalists in the fourteen years we have participated, with 7 students winning the top honor. In 2020 and 2021, our students scored back-to-back wins, with Dottie Greene and Alisha Kemp named Student Hairstylist of the Year. In 2024, three of the five finalists were our students, including winner, Kaitlyn Rockwell. In 2025 Imelda Mercer was our most recent finalist.
The Aveda Institute is committed to helping our students achieve their full potential and perform as some of the top beauty professionals. We live our mission of “Developing future leaders in the world of beauty and wellness” by offering unique and exciting opportunities like photo shoots, fashion shows, and more.
2021 Winner
Student Stylist: Alisha Kemp
Photo: Keith Bryce
2024 Winner
Student Stylist: Kaitlyn Rockwell
Photo: Nohemi Capetillo
This annual student award competition was created to memorialize one of the greatest motivators in the Aveda network. A role model for all - Edwin Neill II not only believed in our mission, he lived it daily. His greatest memory will be his contribution to the youth of the beauty industry. The Edwin Neill II Full Potential Student Award emphasizes Edwin’s belief in team versus individual achievement, which he brought to our network.
Our family of Aveda Institutes swept the podium with first, second and third place winners in 2024. We have had winners in 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2010. In 2023 and 2025, we also won the Educator Team award, showing that our drive for excellence extends throughout the organization. We’re incredibly proud of all the hard work our students put into this competition and excited to see what our future students come up with!
2024 First Place Winners
Aveda Fredric’s Institute Indianapolis
Colorist: Dylan Green
Stylist: Nadia Hernandez
Makeup: Jaqueline Rodriguez
SUPERIOR EDUCATION BY DESIGN
Great salon and spa design can evoke another place, era, or state of being. It sparks emotion, whether that’s the vibrant energy of a cutting floor community, the creative show-and-tell spirit of the color bar, or the calming zen of the spa zone.
Each year, Salon Today Magazine recognizes salons, spas, and beauty schools for exemplary design. In 2023, the new Aveda Institute Indianapolis was named School of the Year.
This isn’t our first honor, though! The Aveda Institute Chapel Hill took home the honor in 2016 after opening its new facility. Our facilities are a reflection of our commitment to excellence in beauty education!
EARTH
Starting in 2004, our Aveda Institutes held an annual fashion benefit as a vehicle for our students to show off their talents and passion in a themed event that raised money for local charities. In 2021, Earth Jam evolved into a virtual event to continue to offer a unique opportunity for our students.
Each year, a competition is held at each of our locations in which students create hair and makeup looks inspired by the year’s
selected theme. The top looks from each Institute are selected to participate in a photo shoot with a renowned celebrity photographer. After the photo shoot, a panel of beauty professionals from around the country evaluate the images for their technical skill, interpretation of the theme, and more. The team with the highest scores from the panel is awarded a $2,000 scholarship for each member of the winning team.
2025 Virtual Earth Jam Winner Student Stylist: Hannah Minton
Photo: Trav McAvaddy
Past themes have been the Ayurvedic Elements (earth, wind, fire, water, and infinity) and fashion designers, and icons of the beauty industry.
In 2025, our students celebrated the color through the theme of Full Spectrum.
Scan the QR code to the right to watch the 2025 Earth Jam and see all the amazing work our students produced!
WATCH EARTH JAM 2025
2024 Virtual Earth Jam Finalist Student Stylist: Ava Lender
Photo: Trav McAvaddy
2025 Virtual Earth Jam Finalist Student Stylist: Zoe Krasno
Photo: Trav McAvaddy
EXPERIENCE A FREE SERVICE
We’re excited to announce the Brilliant Future Scholarship. This is an opportunity for graduating high school seniors who start in our June, July or August classes to be awarded a scholarship toward their education!
2020 NAHA Finalist
Student Stylist: Kaitlyn Rudie
Photo: Keith Bryce
FINANCIAL AID EXPLAINED
Figuring out how you can afford to pursue your career in beauty can be intimidating. With all of the unfamiliar language and confusing acronyms, it’s easy to feel lost. But we’re here to help!
Here’s a quick overview of the financial aid process, as well as some common terms and acronyms explained!
FIGURE OUT YOUR OPTIONS
Your eligibility for certain loans and aid types depends on several factors: your age, dependency status, financial situation, and more. Our Financial Aid team is here to help you find out what you qualify for and to guide you through the process.
PELL GRANT
The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program offered to undergraduates and is designed to assist students from low-income households. A Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid. To qualify for a Pell Grant, a student must demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA form.
FSA ID
An FSA ID consists of a username and password that gives you access to the U.S. Department of Education’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature when completing electronic documents.
FAFSA
Federal student aid is aid from the government in the form of grants, loans, and/or work-study to assist students with college or career school. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the form students fill out to apply for this aid. To fill out the FAFSA, you will need the school codes below.
• Indianapolis - 041559
• Columbus - 041378
• Cincinnati - 038373
• Chapel Hill - 041407
• Wilmington - 013850
• Des Moines - 042033
STUDENT AID INDEX
Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is an index number that colleges use to determine how much financial aid
you’re eligible to receive. Your SAI is calculated based on the information you provided in Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
DIRECT SUBSIDIZED LOAN
A Direct Subsidized Loan is a federal student loan where a borrower isn’t responsible for paying interest while in an in-school, grace, or deferment period.
UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN
An unsubsidized loan through the Direct Loan Program offers students a low, fixed interest rate. It is not based on financial need.
PARENT PLUS LOAN
Direct PLUS Loans, otherwise known as Parent Plus Loans, are federal loans that parents of dependent undergraduate students use to help pay for education expenses.
Photo: Trav McAvaddy