Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Tampa

Paul Mitchell the School-Tampa delivers below-average results in a field where earnings potential is already limited. With first-year median earnings of $16,464, graduates earn less than both the national ($17,113) and Florida ($16,718) averages for cosmetology programs, ranking in just the 40th percentile among Florida schools. The $22,368 four-year earnings represent solid 36% growth, but still fall well short of top-performing Florida programs like Florida State College at Jacksonville ($29,668) and Palm Beach State College ($24,361).

The financial picture is concerning for anxious parents. While the $12,000 median debt is higher than both national ($9,862) and state ($9,500) averages, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means graduates owe about 9 months of their first-year salary—manageable but not ideal. More troubling is the earnings ceiling: even after four years, graduates earn just $22,368, which may struggle to support independent living in Tampa's rising cost environment.

The bottom line: this program costs more and delivers less than most alternatives in Florida. If your child is committed to cosmetology, consider the higher-performing state colleges that offer significantly better earning potential for similar or lower debt loads. The 36% earnings growth shows the field has some upward mobility, but starting from a below-average foundation makes the climb steeper.