American Institute of Alternative Medicine vs Elite School of Cosmetology: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but American Institute of Alternative Medicine comes closer — median earnings $40,805 against a $153,568 total, vs $23,547 at Elite School of Cosmetology. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | American Institute of Alternative Medicine | Elite School of Cosmetology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $38,392 | $32,349 |
| Total net cost | $153,568 | $129,396 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $40,805 | $23,547 |
| Median debt | $9,500 | $7,412 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$304,668 | -$625,656 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, American Institute of Alternative Medicine or Elite School of Cosmetology?
Elite School of Cosmetology, at $32,349 a year after aid versus $38,392 — a gap of $6,043 a year, or $24,172 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do American Institute of Alternative Medicine or Elite School of Cosmetology graduates earn more?
American Institute of Alternative Medicine graduates report a median $40,805 ten years after entry, $17,258 more than the $23,547 at Elite School of Cosmetology. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, American Institute of Alternative Medicine or Elite School of Cosmetology?
Elite School of Cosmetology: its completers carry a median $7,412 in federal loans versus $9,500 at American Institute of Alternative Medicine, a difference of $2,088. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at Elite School of Cosmetology, against 60% at American Institute of Alternative Medicine. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.