Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Arlington
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Paul Mitchell the School-Arlington delivers solid results for cosmetology training, earning graduates notably more than typical programs nationally and statewide. With first-year earnings of $20,500, graduates earn $3,400 more than the national median for cosmetology programs and $4,100 more than the Texas median—placing this program in the 79th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Texas.
The debt picture is reasonable at $9,833, nearly identical to national averages and only slightly higher than Texas programs. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, meaning graduates earn roughly twice what they owe. The 16% earnings growth from year one to year four shows decent career progression potential, though cosmetology typically caps at modest income levels.
While this program outperforms most competitors, it's worth noting that several other Texas cosmetology schools achieve higher earnings—with top programs reaching $26,000+ in first-year earnings. However, those programs may come with different costs or admission requirements. For families seeking reliable cosmetology training with above-average earning potential and manageable debt, this program offers a solid foundation, though it won't lead to high-income careers.
Where Paul Mitchell the School-Arlington 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 Paul Mitchell the School-Arlington graduates compare to all programs nationally
Paul Mitchell the School-Arlington graduates earn $21k, placing them in the 79th 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 Texas
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (151 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Arlington | $20,500 | $23,760 | $9,833 | 0.48 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Austin | $26,824 | $28,868 | $10,414 | 0.39 |
| Champion Beauty College | $26,736 | $19,014 | $10,232 | 0.38 |
| DuVall's School of Cosmetology | $26,435 | $23,177 | $7,917 | 0.30 |
| Charles and Sues School of Hair Design | $23,225 | $20,327 | $9,833 | 0.42 |
| Tint School of Makeup & Cosmetology | $23,225 | $21,232 | $7,698 | 0.33 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Austin Austin | — | $26,824 | $10,414 |
| Champion Beauty College Houston | — | $26,736 | $10,232 |
| DuVall's School of Cosmetology Bedford | — | $26,435 | $7,917 |
| Charles and Sues School of Hair Design Bryan | — | $23,225 | $9,833 |
| Tint School of Makeup & Cosmetology Irving | — | $23,225 | $7,698 |
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 Paul Mitchell the School-Arlington, approximately 53% 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 619 graduates with reported earnings and 696 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.