Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Great Lakes

Paul Mitchell the School-Great Lakes places solidly in the middle of the pack among Michigan cosmetology programs, with first-year earnings of $18,580 that rank in the 60th percentile statewide—notably above the state median of $15,179. With debt of just under $10,000, graduates face a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they'll owe roughly half a year's salary. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting this program serves students who need affordable workforce training.

The challenge is what happens after graduation: earnings actually drop slightly to $18,042 by year four. This isn't necessarily alarming in cosmetology, where income depends heavily on building a client base, but it does mean graduates shouldn't expect significant wage growth in their early career. The reality is that success in this field often comes from entrepreneurship—opening your own salon or building a loyal following—rather than climbing a traditional career ladder.

For a student committed to cosmetology, this program delivers reasonable preparation at a fair price, performing better than most Michigan alternatives. Just understand that the $18,000-$20,000 earning range is likely the ceiling for the first several years, and reaching higher income will require hustle beyond the basics of the trade.