Median Earnings (1yr)
$20,033
75th percentile
80th percentile in Kentucky
Median Debt
$12,583
28% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Paul Mitchell the School-Louisville 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-Louisville$20,033$23,572+18%
PJ's College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green$21,439$20,857-3%
Empire Beauty School-Florence$18,408$20,474+11%
Empire Beauty School-Chenoweth$15,679$20,441+30%
Summit Salon Academy-Lexington$16,679$19,450+17%

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (27 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Paul Mitchell the School-LouisvilleLouisville$20,033$23,572$12,5830.63
PJ's College of Cosmetology-Bowling GreenBowling Green$21,439$20,857$10,6670.50
Ideal Beauty AcademyLouisville$19,513$18,702$8,4010.43
Paul Mitchell the School-LexingtonLexington$18,950$18,824$16,5000.87
Empire Beauty School-FlorenceFlorence$18,408$20,474$15,7650.86
Summit Salon Academy-LexingtonLexington$16,679$19,450$10,6670.64
National Median$17,113$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-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.