Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Cleveland
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
paulmitchell.edu/clevelandAnalysis
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,778 | $22,590 | $12,535 | 0.63 | |
| $23,788 | $21,934 | $13,833 | 0.58 | |
| $22,672 | $22,840 | $12,000 | 0.53 | |
| $22,637 | $17,614 | $11,166 | 0.49 | |
| $22,160 | $28,714 | $9,833 | 0.44 | |
| $21,819 | $19,376 | $11,140 | 0.51 | |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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.