Median Earnings (1yr)
$16,464
43rd percentile (60th in MI)
Median Debt
$12,000
22% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.73
Manageable
Sample Size
700
Adequate data

Analysis

Paul Mitchell the School-Michigan delivers solid value in cosmetology education, particularly when compared to other Michigan programs. While first-year earnings of $16,464 trail the national median slightly, this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Michigan schools—meaningfully above the state median of $15,179. More importantly, graduates see strong earnings growth, jumping 36% to $22,368 by year four, which puts them well above both national and state averages for the field.

The debt picture is manageable at $12,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 that's better than most programs nationally. Students here borrow slightly more than typical for Michigan cosmetology programs, but the higher earnings trajectory justifies the additional investment. With 48% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a diverse economic population while delivering results that outpace many competitors.

For anxious parents, this represents a reasonable investment in a stable trade. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and earn more than most cosmetology graduates in Michigan, with clear potential for income growth. While this won't lead to six-figure salaries, it provides a practical path to steady employment in a recession-resistant field with room for entrepreneurship down the road.

Where Paul Mitchell the School-Michigan Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Paul Mitchell the School-MichiganOther cosmetology programs

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-Michigan graduates compare to all programs nationally

Paul Mitchell the School-Michigan graduates earn $16k, placing them in the 43th 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 Michigan

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (41 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Paul Mitchell the School-Michigan$16,464$22,368$12,0000.73
Northern Michigan University$21,628—$9,8330.45
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber School$20,460$25,241$10,5560.52
Paul Mitchell the School-Great Lakes$18,580$18,042$9,8330.53
Paul Mitchell the School-Grand Rapids$18,410$24,204$9,8330.53
Douglas J Aveda Institute$18,082$21,047$9,8330.54
National Median$17,113—$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Northern Michigan University
Marquette
$13,304$21,628$9,833
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber School
Southgate
—$20,460$10,556
Paul Mitchell the School-Great Lakes
Port Huron
—$18,580$9,833
Paul Mitchell the School-Grand Rapids
Kentwood
—$18,410$9,833
Douglas J Aveda Institute
East Lansing
—$18,082$9,833

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-Michigan, approximately 48% 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 700 graduates with reported earnings and 816 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.