Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Nampa

Paul Mitchell the School-Nampa stands out nationally for cosmetology training, ranking in the 89th percentile for graduate earnings—well above the national median of $17,113. However, the Idaho context tells a more nuanced story. While graduates here earn $21,620 initially, this only places the program at the 60th percentile within Idaho, where cosmetology salaries run higher than most states. The program ties with its Boise counterpart for top earnings in the state, but several other Idaho schools deliver comparable results.

The financial picture is reasonable for a trade program. At $10,556 in median debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of gross earnings. This debt level sits near the national median for cosmetology programs, making it neither a bargain nor particularly expensive. With 63% of students receiving Pell grants, the school clearly serves students who need financial assistance.

The concerning element is the slight earnings decline over four years, dropping to $21,128—though this appears common in cosmetology where new graduates often start at established salons before potentially opening their own businesses later. For parents considering this investment, the program delivers solid initial earnings with manageable debt, but don't expect significant salary growth in the first few years post-graduation.