Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Costa Mesa
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Paul Mitchell Costa Mesa delivers solid value in California's competitive cosmetology landscape, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 130 cosmetology programs—a meaningful achievement given that California's median earnings for this field ($14,600) trail the national average. While first-year earnings of $16,464 sit slightly below the national median, graduates see impressive 36% income growth by year four, reaching $22,368.
The debt picture is particularly encouraging. At $12,000, student debt loads are higher than both state and national medians, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means graduates can reasonably expect to earn more than their total debt in their first year—a healthy financial foundation. The school serves a diverse student body with 41% receiving Pell grants, suggesting accessibility for students from various economic backgrounds.
For parents weighing options, this program offers a practical path to steady employment with clear earning potential. While top California programs like The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose show higher earnings ($24,660), Paul Mitchell Costa Mesa provides above-average outcomes at a manageable debt level. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these figures, making this a reasonable investment for students serious about entering the beauty industry.
Where Paul Mitchell the School-Costa Mesa 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-Costa Mesa graduates compare to all programs nationally
Paul Mitchell the School-Costa Mesa graduates earn $16k, placing them in the 43th 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 California
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (130 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Costa Mesa | $16,464 | $22,368 | $12,000 | 0.73 |
| The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose | $24,660 | $24,953 | $10,376 | 0.42 |
| San Jose City College | $23,253 | — | — | — |
| MTI College | $21,371 | $22,802 | $10,550 | 0.49 |
| Institute of Technology | $21,184 | — | $13,341 | 0.63 |
| Shasta School of Cosmetology | $20,144 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose San Jose | — | $24,660 | $10,376 |
| San Jose City College San Jose | $1,366 | $23,253 | — |
| MTI College Sacramento | — | $21,371 | $10,550 |
| Institute of Technology Clovis | — | $21,184 | $13,341 |
| Shasta School of Cosmetology Redding | — | $20,144 | — |
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-Costa Mesa, approximately 41% 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 700 graduates with reported earnings and 816 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.