Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Denver

Paul Mitchell the School-Denver delivers significantly better outcomes than most cosmetology programs nationwide—its first-year earnings of $24,952 land in the 95th percentile nationally and run 46% above the typical program. With debt of just $11,833 (less than half a year's earnings), graduates leave with manageable financial obligations and can realistically pay off loans while building their careers. Nearly half the students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves a diverse economic population.

The Colorado picture requires more nuance. While this program still outperforms the state median by nearly $5,000 annually, it ranks in the middle of the pack (60th percentile) within Colorado's competitive cosmetology landscape. Several Colorado schools—including Elevate Salon Institute and Aveda Institute-Denver—produce graduates earning $26,000-$27,000 in their first year. The earnings decline to $22,164 by year four is also worth noting, though this pattern appears common in the beauty industry as some graduates shift to part-time work or independent contracting.

For families considering cosmetology training in Colorado, this represents a solid choice that minimizes debt while delivering above-average earnings. The school performs exceptionally well by national standards, even if it doesn't crack Colorado's top tier. The key question is whether the $3,000-$5,000 annual earnings gap compared to the state's best programs justifies shopping around—particularly for students who might secure similar training at a technical college with lower costs.