Median Earnings (1yr)
$17,385
52nd percentile (40th in ID)
Median Debt
$11,583
17% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.67
Manageable
Sample Size
150
Adequate data

Analysis

Paul Mitchell the School-Rexburg falls below the middle of the pack among Idaho cosmetology programs, with first-year earnings of $17,385 landing in the 40th percentile statewide—about $1,200 less than the state median. This gap is notable when comparing to sister campuses in Boise and Nampa, where graduates earn $21,620 in their first year. While the program performs slightly above the national average, Idaho's cosmetology market generally pays better than most states, making the in-state comparison more relevant for students planning to work locally.

The debt picture offers some consolation: at $11,583, students borrow slightly more than typical for Idaho cosmetology programs, but the 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable given industry standards. Earnings do grow 13% by year four, reaching $19,699, though this still trails what graduates from other Idaho programs earn right out of the gate. With nearly half of students qualifying for Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive and need every dollar to count.

If your child is set on Paul Mitchell's brand and teaching approach, this location works—but they'll likely earn $2,000-4,000 less annually than classmates who trained at other Idaho schools. That adds up to $10,000+ over five years. Given the higher-earning options within an hour's drive, it's worth visiting those campuses before committing to Rexburg.

Where Paul Mitchell the School-Rexburg Stands

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

Paul Mitchell the School-RexburgOther 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-Rexburg graduates compare to all programs nationally

Paul Mitchell the School-Rexburg graduates earn $17k, placing them in the 52th 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 Idaho

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Idaho (15 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Paul Mitchell the School-Rexburg$17,385$19,699$11,5830.67
Paul Mitchell the School-Boise$21,620$21,128$10,5560.49
Paul Mitchell the School-Nampa$21,620$21,128$10,5560.49
Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology$20,258$19,520$9,1660.45
Boise Barber College$19,417$20,716$9,5000.49
Aveda Institute-Twin Falls$19,015$15,205$9,4000.49
National Median$17,113—$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Idaho

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Idaho schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Paul Mitchell the School-Boise
Boise
—$21,620$10,556
Paul Mitchell the School-Nampa
Nampa
—$21,620$10,556
Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology
Boise
—$20,258$9,166
Boise Barber College
Boise
—$19,417$9,500
Aveda Institute-Twin Falls
Twin Falls
—$19,015$9,400

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-Rexburg, approximately 49% 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 150 graduates with reported earnings and 174 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.