Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Spokane

Paul Mitchell's Spokane location stands out nationally, delivering first-year earnings of $24,554—well above the $17,113 national median for cosmetology programs and ranking in the 95th percentile nationwide. That's impressive consistency for a field where many graduates struggle to reach $20,000. The $10,556 in debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in roughly five months of full earnings. Over half the students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves working-class families effectively.

The picture becomes more nuanced when you zoom into Washington state. At the 60th percentile among state programs, this school performs solidly but not exceptionally—Toni & Guy in Shoreline and Evergreen Beauty in Everett both deliver slightly higher earnings. More concerning is the slight earnings decline between years one and four, dropping to $23,740. This isn't catastrophic in cosmetology, where building a client base can take time and where many stylists eventually shift to booth rental or independent work that may not show up fully in earnings data.

For families considering cosmetology training in the Spokane area, this program offers a relatively low-risk entry point with strong national performance and reasonable debt. Just recognize that the earnings ceiling appears modest, and graduates will need to hustle to build their business beyond that initial $24,000 baseline.