Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Houston
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
paulmitchell.edu/houstonAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How Paul Mitchell the School-Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Houston | $19,036 | $21,218 | +11% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Austin | $26,824 | $28,868 | +8% |
| Avenue Five Institute | $23,144 | $28,368 | +23% |
| Avenue Five Institute-South Austin Campus | $23,144 | $28,368 | +23% |
| The Salon Professional Academy-Lewisville | $22,320 | $26,452 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (151 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,036 | $21,218 | $16,500 | 0.87 | |
| $26,824 | $28,868 | $10,414 | 0.39 | |
| $26,736 | $19,014 | $10,232 | 0.38 | |
| $26,435 | $23,177 | $7,917 | 0.30 | |
| $23,225 | $20,327 | $9,833 | 0.42 | |
| $23,225 | $21,232 | $7,698 | 0.33 | |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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.