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O'Briens Aveda Institute
Williston, Vermont · Private for-profit career college · Training programs available:
Address: 400 Cornerstone Dr 220, Williston, VT 05495 · Phone: (802) 876-7044 · School website ↗ · Verify on College Scorecard ↗
No accreditor sanctions in the last 36 months
O'Briens Aveda Institute is a private for-profit trade school in Williston, Vermont offering nail technician, esthetician, and cosmetology programs, accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
O'Briens Aveda Institute has a 66.7% completion rate, above Vermont's state average of 59.1%, and a median graduate debt of $6,333, per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Median earnings 10 years after entry are not reported for this campus.
Annual cost of attendance at O'Briens Aveda Institute is $35,186, and the school participates in federal Title IV aid, so FAFSA and Pell Grants can be used. About 33.9% of students receive Pell Grants.
What these trades pay once you're working
| Occupation | Starting (10th pct) | Median | Experienced (75th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manicurists and pedicurists (U.S.) | $28,920 | $35,760 | $41,650 |
| Skincare specialists (U.S.) | $29,580 | $45,330 | $59,700 |
| Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists | $30,960 | $48,650 | $60,860 |
| Barbers (U.S.) | $28,600 | $38,210 | $58,960 |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wages for everyone employed in the occupation in Vermont (May 2025; national where the state figure is not published). The program table below shows what this campus's own graduates earned in their first year, whatever job they took.
Trade programs at this campus
| Program | Credential | Grads / yr | Earnings, yr 1 | Earnings, yr 2 | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, under 300 hours | 29 | $27,051 | $20,653 | $8,379 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 21 | $27,051 | $20,653 | $8,379 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 1–2 years | 18 | $27,051 | $20,653 | $8,379 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 6 | $27,051 | $20,653 | $8,379 |
Earnings are median wages and self-employment income reported to the IRS (W-2 and Schedule SE) for graduates who received federal aid and were working and not enrolled, measured in the calendar year after finishing. They are pay only: health insurance, retirement contributions and other benefits are not included.
Graduates per year from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey. Earnings and debt are College Scorecard field-of-study medians for graduates of this program at this campus (reported at the 4-digit program level, so closely related programs share a figure); "not reported" means too few graduates were counted to publish a figure.
About this school
O'Briens Aveda Institute is a private for-profit trade school located in Williston, Vermont, a midsize suburb. The campus is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and participates in federal Title IV financial aid programs, meaning students can use FAFSA, federal loans, and Pell Grants to help pay for training. Its four program families center on personal care trades, with the most-completed programs being nail technician schools, esthetician schools, and cosmetology schools.
Federal data shows a completion rate of 66.7%, which is above the Vermont state average of 59.1%. Graduates carry a median debt of $6,333. Median earnings 10 years after entry are not reported for this campus in federal data. Annual cost of attendance is listed at $35,186, and 33.9% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a meaningful share of lower-income enrollees.
With about 80 undergraduate students and 74 trade completers, this is a small, program-focused campus centered on cosmetology-related trades rather than academic degrees. The above-average completion rate and relatively low graduate debt may appeal to career changers seeking a shorter, hands-on path into a licensed trade, though specific program lengths and schedules are not reported for this campus in federal data. Prospective students should verify current accreditation status and review full outcome data directly through the College Scorecard or by contacting the school.
Questions students ask
What trade and career programs does this campus offer?
O'Briens Aveda Institute offers four program families: nail technician schools, esthetician schools, cosmetology schools, and barber schools. The most-completed programs are nail technician schools, esthetician schools, and cosmetology schools.
Is this school accredited, and by whom?
Yes, the school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, and its accreditation status is listed as accredited.
Can I use federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) at this school?
Yes, this campus participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, so students can use FAFSA, federal loans, and Pell Grants.
What share of students finish their program here, and how does that compare to the state?
The completion rate is 66.7%, which is above the Vermont state average of 59.1%.
How much debt do graduates of this school typically carry?
Graduates carry a median debt of $6,333, according to federal data.
What do graduates of this school earn?
Median earnings 10 years after entry are not reported for this campus in federal data; check the College Scorecard link for updates.
How much does it cost to attend for a year?
The annual cost of attendance is listed at $35,186.
Is this a public, non-profit, or for-profit school, and why does that matter?
This is a private for-profit school, which can affect tuition pricing and financial aid eligibility compared to public or non-profit institutions.
How long do the programs here take to complete?
Specific program lengths are not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school at (802) 876-7044 or visit its website for details.
How do I verify this school's accreditation and outcomes myself?
You can verify accreditation through the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and review federal outcome data at the College Scorecard link (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?231004).
Is this school a good fit for an adult changing careers?
The school's above-average completion rate and relatively low graduate debt suggest it may suit career changers, though specific scheduling and program length details are not reported for this campus in federal data.
What license or certification will I need after finishing a program here?
Licensing requirements are not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school directly for details on state licensing for cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology.
How do I contact the school or apply?
You can reach O'Briens Aveda Institute at (802) 876-7044 or through its website, https://www.obriensavedainstitute.org/.
How does this campus compare with other schools offering the same trade nearby?
Comparative data on nearby schools is not reported for this campus in federal data; consult the College Scorecard to compare completion rates, debt, and cost across institutions.
Nearby trade and career schools in Vermont
- Advanced Welding InstituteSouth Burlington, VT · 91% completion
- Mount Mansfield Unified Union School DistrictJericho, VT
- Pro Driver Training MiltonMilton, VT
- Vermont State UniversityRandolph, VT · university
- Community College of VermontMontpelier, VT · 20% completion
- Giroux General Transport Inc.Berlin, VT
- Lamoille Valley Transportation, Inc.Morrisville, VT
- NcsuNewport, VT
See all trade and career schools in Vermont or search by ZIP code.
Data: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey; College Scorecard June 2026; Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), September 2026. Figures are the U.S. Department of Education's official measures, not Career Training Path's opinion. Tuition, schedules and program availability change — confirm with the school before enrolling.