Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Michigan
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
paulmitchell.edu/sterlingheightsAnalysis
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
Earnings Distribution
How Paul Mitchell the School-Michigan 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-Michigan | $16,464 | $22,368 | +36% |
| Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Hair Lab Detroit Barber School | $20,460 | $25,241 | +23% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Grand Rapids | $18,410 | $24,204 | +31% |
| Twin City Beauty College | $18,009 | $21,363 | +19% |
| Douglas J Aveda Institute | $18,082 | $21,047 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $16,464 | $22,368 | $12,000 | 0.73 | |
| $13,304 | $21,628 | — | $9,833 | 0.45 | |
| — | $20,460 | $25,241 | $10,556 | 0.52 | |
| — | $18,580 | $18,042 | $9,833 | 0.53 | |
| — | $18,410 | $24,204 | $9,833 | 0.53 | |
| — | $18,082 | $21,047 | $9,833 | 0.54 | |
| 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-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.