Median Earnings (1yr)
$20,689
81st percentile
60th percentile in Utah
Median Debt
$10,556
7% above national median

Analysis

Paul Mitchell the School-Provo produces cosmetology graduates who earn significantly more than the national average—landing in the 81st percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $20,689 compared to the national median of $17,113. However, within Utah's competitive cosmetology market, this program sits at the 60th percentile, with several in-state alternatives offering $4,000-6,000 higher starting salaries.

The concerning trend here is the earnings decline over time, dropping from $20,689 to $18,687 between years one and four. This 10% decrease suggests graduates may struggle to advance their careers or build clientele as expected in the beauty industry. The debt load of $10,556 remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, though it's slightly above both state and national medians for cosmetology programs.

For Utah families, this represents a middle-tier option in a state with strong cosmetology programs overall. While the school delivers above-average national outcomes, parents should consider whether the premium over state debt averages justifies choosing this over higher-earning in-state competitors like Top Nails & Hair Beauty School, which produces graduates earning $27,296 in their first year.

Where Paul Mitchell the School-Provo Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Paul Mitchell the School-Provo 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-Provo$20,689$18,687-10%
Collectiv Academy$20,565$30,570+49%
Medspa Academies$25,502$27,712+9%
Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare$24,463$26,356+8%
Cameo College of Essential Beauty$22,885$25,342+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Utah (32 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Paul Mitchell the School-ProvoProvo$20,689$18,687$10,5560.51
Top Nails & Hair Beauty SchoolTaylorsville$27,296$22,825
Medspa AcademiesSouth Jordan$25,502$27,712$12,3940.49
Acaydia School of AestheticsProvo$25,253$21,119$7,6680.30
Skinworks School of Advanced SkincareSalt Lake City$24,463$26,356$7,6670.31
Cameo College of Essential BeautyMurray$22,885$25,342$6,1500.27
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-Provo, 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.