Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Cleveland
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Paul Mitchell Cleveland graduates earn $22,590 four years out—about 32% above the state median for cosmetology programs and ranking in the 73rd percentile nationally. With debt of $12,535, graduates face manageable payments of roughly $140/month, which represents 8-9% of typical take-home pay at these earnings levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 compares favorably to many certificate programs, and the school keeps costs notably below the national median despite producing above-average outcomes.
The program shows steady earnings growth of 14% from year one to year four, suggesting graduates build their client base and skills over time. While this program doesn't quite reach the earnings of top Ohio schools like Paul Mitchell Columbus ($23,788), it outperforms roughly 60% of Ohio cosmetology programs at a reasonable price point. The 61% Pell grant rate indicates the school serves predominantly working-class students who are achieving solid employment outcomes.
For families considering cosmetology training, this represents a straightforward investment: moderate debt leading to earnings that reliably exceed state and national benchmarks. The combination of proven outcomes and contained costs makes this a practical choice for students committed to building a career in the beauty industry.
Where Paul Mitchell the School-Cleveland 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-Cleveland graduates compare to all programs nationally
Paul Mitchell the School-Cleveland graduates earn $20k, placing them in the 73th 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 Ohio
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (59 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Cleveland | $19,778 | $22,590 | $12,535 | 0.63 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Columbus | $23,788 | $21,934 | $13,833 | 0.58 |
| Salon Institute-Toledo Campus | $22,672 | $22,840 | $12,000 | 0.53 |
| Ohio State School of Cosmetology-Canal Winchester | $22,637 | $17,614 | $11,166 | 0.49 |
| Aveda Fredric's Institute-Cincinnati | $22,160 | $28,714 | $9,833 | 0.44 |
| Summit Salon Academy-Perrysburg | $21,819 | $19,376 | $11,140 | 0.51 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Columbus Columbus | — | $23,788 | $13,833 |
| Salon Institute-Toledo Campus Toledo | — | $22,672 | $12,000 |
| Ohio State School of Cosmetology-Canal Winchester CANAL WINCHESTER | — | $22,637 | $11,166 |
| Aveda Fredric's Institute-Cincinnati West Chester | — | $22,160 | $9,833 |
| Summit Salon Academy-Perrysburg Perrysburg | — | $21,819 | $11,140 |
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-Cleveland, approximately 61% 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 103 graduates with reported earnings and 135 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.