Median Earnings (1yr)
$19,583
71st percentile
60th percentile in North Carolina
Median Debt
$13,833
40% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Paul Mitchell the School-Fayetteville graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Paul Mitchell the School-Fayetteville$19,583$20,755+6%
Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill$21,826$27,243+25%
Paul Mitchell the School-Raleigh$18,849$25,519+35%
Guilford Technical Community College$17,193$25,271+47%
Central Carolina Community College$24,101$23,264-3%

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (75 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Paul Mitchell the School-FayettevilleFayettevilleโ€”$19,583$20,755$13,8330.71
Gaston CollegeDallas$3,186$27,008โ€”โ€”โ€”
Central Carolina Community CollegeSanford$2,554$24,101$23,264$12,1670.50
Wake Technical Community CollegeRaleigh$2,336$23,286โ€”$7,6930.33
Rowan-Cabarrus Community CollegeSalisbury$2,064$22,578$22,811$16,5000.73
Aveda Institute-Chapel HillChapel Hillโ€”$21,826$27,243$11,5830.53
National Medianโ€”$17,113โ€”$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.