Median Earnings (1yr)
$19,778
73rd percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$12,535
27% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Paul Mitchell the School-Cleveland graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Paul Mitchell the School-Cleveland$19,778$22,590+14%
Aveda Fredric's Institute-Cincinnati$22,160$28,714+30%
Moler-Pickens Beauty Academy$21,650$27,450+27%
The Spa School$20,256$26,524+31%
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology-North Dayton$16,806$24,029+43%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (59 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Paul Mitchell the School-ClevelandTwinsburg$19,778$22,590$12,5350.63
Paul Mitchell the School-ColumbusColumbus$23,788$21,934$13,8330.58
Salon Institute-Toledo CampusToledo$22,672$22,840$12,0000.53
Ohio State School of Cosmetology-Canal WinchesterCANAL WINCHESTER$22,637$17,614$11,1660.49
Aveda Fredric's Institute-CincinnatiWest Chester$22,160$28,714$9,8330.44
Summit Salon Academy-PerrysburgPerrysburg$21,819$19,376$11,1400.51
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.