Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Charleston

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.