Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Houston
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Paul Mitchell the School-Houston produces cosmetology graduates who earn above-average wages in a field known for modest starting salaries. With first-year earnings of $19,036, graduates earn 11% more than the national median and 16% more than other Texas cosmetology programs. This Houston location ranks in the 60th percentile statewide—solid middle-tier performance among 151 Texas cosmetology schools.
The debt picture looks particularly attractive. At $16,500, student debt loads are nearly double the national average, but this school achieves something rare: it ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt, meaning 95% of cosmetology programs saddle students with more debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 means graduates can realistically expect to pay off loans within a reasonable timeframe, especially as earnings grow 12% by year four.
While this program won't produce the $26,000+ earnings seen at top Texas schools like Paul Mitchell-Austin, it offers a practical pathway into cosmetology with manageable debt. For families seeking vocational training that leads to steady employment without crushing financial burden, this represents a sensible choice in the cosmetology field.
Where Paul Mitchell the School-Houston 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-Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally
Paul Mitchell the School-Houston graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 67th 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 Texas
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (151 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Houston | $19,036 | $21,218 | $16,500 | 0.87 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Austin | $26,824 | $28,868 | $10,414 | 0.39 |
| Champion Beauty College | $26,736 | $19,014 | $10,232 | 0.38 |
| DuVall's School of Cosmetology | $26,435 | $23,177 | $7,917 | 0.30 |
| Charles and Sues School of Hair Design | $23,225 | $20,327 | $9,833 | 0.42 |
| Tint School of Makeup & Cosmetology | $23,225 | $21,232 | $7,698 | 0.33 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Austin Austin | — | $26,824 | $10,414 |
| Champion Beauty College Houston | — | $26,736 | $10,232 |
| DuVall's School of Cosmetology Bedford | — | $26,435 | $7,917 |
| Charles and Sues School of Hair Design Bryan | — | $23,225 | $9,833 |
| Tint School of Makeup & Cosmetology Irving | — | $23,225 | $7,698 |
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-Houston, approximately 65% 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 365 graduates with reported earnings and 439 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.