Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Provo
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
paulmitchell.edu/provoAnalysis
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,689 | $18,687 | $10,556 | 0.51 | |
| $27,296 | $22,825 | — | — | |
| $25,502 | $27,712 | $12,394 | 0.49 | |
| $25,253 | $21,119 | $7,668 | 0.30 | |
| $24,463 | $26,356 | $7,667 | 0.31 | |
| $22,885 | $25,342 | $6,150 | 0.27 | |
| 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-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.