Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Delaware
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Paul Mitchell-Delaware graduates earn $6,900 more than the typical cosmetology certificate holder nationally, placing them at the 75th percentile. That's meaningful in a field where national median earnings start at just $17,113. Within Delaware, this program ranks in the 60th percentile—trailing Hair Academy School of Barbering & Beauty but substantially ahead of other options. The 30% earnings growth over four years (reaching nearly $26,000) suggests graduates build sustainable client bases rather than churning out of the industry.
The debt picture is unusually favorable for beauty school. At $15,374, it's higher than the national median for cosmetology programs, but the school ranks in the 5th percentile for debt—meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with more. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 means graduates owe less than one year's starting income, a manageable burden for a field where many work flexible schedules while establishing themselves. With 55% of students receiving Pell grants, this accessibility matters.
For parents concerned about beauty school ROI, this program delivers stronger outcomes than three-quarters of cosmetology schools nationally. The debt is real but reasonable, and the earnings trajectory shows graduates aren't stuck at entry-level wages.
Where Paul Mitchell the School-Delaware 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-Delaware graduates compare to all programs nationally
Paul Mitchell the School-Delaware graduates earn $20k, placing them in the 75th 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 Delaware
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Delaware (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Delaware | $19,975 | $25,929 | $15,374 | 0.77 |
| Hair Academy School of Barbering & Beauty | $25,168 | — | $9,666 | 0.38 |
| Academy of Massage and Bodywork | $18,223 | $18,074 | $6,376 | 0.35 |
| Dawn Career Institute LLC | $13,271 | $19,454 | $9,312 | 0.70 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Delaware
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Delaware schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Academy School of Barbering & Beauty Newark | — | $25,168 | $9,666 |
| Academy of Massage and Bodywork Bear | — | $18,223 | $6,376 |
| Dawn Career Institute LLC Newark | — | $13,271 | $9,312 |
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-Delaware, approximately 55% 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 78 graduates with reported earnings and 78 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.