Median Earnings (1yr)
$20,689
81st percentile (60th in UT)
Median Debt
$10,556
7% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.51
Manageable
Sample Size
404
Adequate data

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

Paul Mitchell the School-ProvoOther 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-Provo graduates compare to all programs nationally

Paul Mitchell the School-Provo graduates earn $21k, placing them in the 81th 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 Utah

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Paul Mitchell the School-Provo$20,689$18,687$10,5560.51
Top Nails & Hair Beauty School$27,296$22,825
Medspa Academies$25,502$27,712$12,3940.49
Acaydia School of Aesthetics$25,253$21,119$7,6680.30
Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare$24,463$26,356$7,6670.31
Cameo College of Essential Beauty$22,885$25,342$6,1500.27
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Utah

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Top Nails & Hair Beauty School
Taylorsville
$27,296
Medspa Academies
South Jordan
$25,502$12,394
Acaydia School of Aesthetics
Provo
$25,253$7,668
Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare
Salt Lake City
$24,463$7,667
Cameo College of Essential Beauty
Murray
$22,885$6,150

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.