Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Louisville
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Paul Mitchell the School-Louisville stands out in Kentucky's crowded cosmetology landscape, placing in the 80th percentile statewide—a meaningful achievement given that 27 schools compete for students in this market. Graduates here earn $23,572 four years out, roughly $8,000 more than the typical Kentucky cosmetology graduate and $4,000 above the national median. That's a substantial gap in a field where every dollar counts, and it suggests this program's training translates to better job placement or client-building skills.
The debt picture reinforces the value story. At $12,583, students borrow slightly below Kentucky's median for cosmetology programs and well below the national 50th percentile. Combined with first-year earnings of $20,033, the 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically pay down their loans within a year or two of focused repayment—far better than many certificate programs that leave students struggling with debt for years. The 18% earnings growth from year one to year four also indicates room for advancement as stylists build clientele and skills.
For parents worried about their child entering the beauty industry, this program offers a relatively safe bet. While cosmetology won't lead to six-figure earnings, Paul Mitchell-Louisville delivers what matters most: manageable debt and above-average earning potential that grows over time. It's not the highest-earning option in Kentucky, but it consistently outperforms most alternatives.
Where Paul Mitchell the School-Louisville 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-Louisville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Paul Mitchell the School-Louisville graduates earn $20k, placing them in the 75th 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 Kentucky
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (27 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Louisville | $20,033 | $23,572 | $12,583 | 0.63 |
| PJ's College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green | $21,439 | $20,857 | $10,667 | 0.50 |
| Ideal Beauty Academy | $19,513 | $18,702 | $8,401 | 0.43 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Lexington | $18,950 | $18,824 | $16,500 | 0.87 |
| Empire Beauty School-Florence | $18,408 | $20,474 | $15,765 | 0.86 |
| Summit Salon Academy-Lexington | $16,679 | $19,450 | $10,667 | 0.64 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| PJ's College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green Bowling Green | — | $21,439 | $10,667 |
| Ideal Beauty Academy Louisville | — | $19,513 | $8,401 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Lexington Lexington | — | $18,950 | $16,500 |
| Empire Beauty School-Florence Florence | — | $18,408 | $15,765 |
| Summit Salon Academy-Lexington Lexington | — | $16,679 | $10,667 |
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-Louisville, approximately 45% 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 119 graduates with reported earnings and 129 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.