Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Fayetteville
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Paul Mitchell the School-Fayetteville stands out in North Carolina's crowded cosmetology market, delivering earnings that beat 60% of similar programs statewide and 71% nationally. With first-year earnings of $19,583 rising to $20,755 by year four, graduates earn notably more than the typical cosmetology graduate in North Carolina ($17,193) and substantially more than the national average ($17,113). The debt load of $13,833 is reasonable for the field, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71.
However, parents should recognize the ceiling here. While Paul Mitchell-Fayetteville performs well within cosmetology, the field itself has limited earning potential compared to other career paths. The top NC programs like Gaston College produce graduates earning $27,000+, suggesting room for improvement. That said, with two-thirds of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves students who might otherwise struggle to access higher education.
For families considering cosmetology as a career path, this school offers solid preparation with below-average debt burden and above-average earning potential within the field. The robust sample size makes these numbers reliable, and the steady earnings growth from year one to four indicates career stability rather than quick burnout.
Where Paul Mitchell the School-Fayetteville 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-Fayetteville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Paul Mitchell the School-Fayetteville graduates earn $20k, placing them in the 71th 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 North Carolina
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (75 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Fayetteville | $19,583 | $20,755 | $13,833 | 0.71 |
| Gaston College | $27,008 | — | — | — |
| Central Carolina Community College | $24,101 | $23,264 | $12,167 | 0.50 |
| Wake Technical Community College | $23,286 | — | $7,693 | 0.33 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | $22,578 | $22,811 | $16,500 | 0.73 |
| Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill | $21,826 | $27,243 | $11,583 | 0.53 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaston College Dallas | $3,186 | $27,008 | — |
| Central Carolina Community College Sanford | $2,554 | $24,101 | $12,167 |
| Wake Technical Community College Raleigh | $2,336 | $23,286 | $7,693 |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Salisbury | $2,064 | $22,578 | $16,500 |
| Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill Chapel Hill | — | $21,826 | $11,583 |
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-Fayetteville, approximately 66% 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 493 graduates with reported earnings and 560 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.