Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Charleston
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Paul Mitchell Charleston's cosmetology program delivers solid earning potential that outperforms most national competitors. With first-year earnings of $19,583, graduates earn $2,470 more than the typical cosmetology program nationally and rank in the 71st percentile. Within South Carolina, the program performs respectably at the 60th percentile, though several in-state options like Southeastern Esthetics Institute offer higher earning potential.
The debt picture is particularly encouraging—at $13,833, students borrow significantly more than the national median of $9,862, but this translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71. This means graduates can expect to earn back their entire educational investment in less than nine months of work. The program also shows steady earnings growth, with income rising 6% by the fourth year to $20,755.
For parents concerned about return on investment, this program offers a reliable path into the beauty industry with earnings that justify the debt load. While not the highest-earning cosmetology program in South Carolina, it provides above-average national performance with reasonable borrowing requirements, making it a sound choice for students committed to this field.
Where Paul Mitchell the School-Charleston 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-Charleston graduates compare to all programs nationally
Paul Mitchell the School-Charleston graduates earn $20k, placing them in the 71th 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 South Carolina
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Charleston | $19,583 | $20,755 | $13,833 | 0.71 |
| Southeastern Esthetics Institute | $21,547 | — | $7,029 | 0.33 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia | $19,583 | $20,755 | $13,833 | 0.71 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Greenville | $19,583 | $20,755 | $13,833 | 0.71 |
| Academy of Hair Technology | $19,459 | $19,648 | $7,833 | 0.40 |
| Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Nails-Columbia | $18,956 | $21,033 | $11,069 | 0.58 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in South Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Esthetics Institute Elgin | — | $21,547 | $7,029 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia West Columbia | — | $19,583 | $13,833 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Greenville Greenville | — | $19,583 | $13,833 |
| Academy of Hair Technology Greenville | — | $19,459 | $7,833 |
| Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Nails-Columbia Columbia | — | $18,956 | $11,069 |
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-Charleston, approximately 58% 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 493 graduates with reported earnings and 560 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.