Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Tysons Corner
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Paul Mitchell the School-Tysons Corner delivers solid results for cosmetology students, with earnings that outpace the national average by a meaningful margin. At $19,234 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 12% more than the typical cosmetology program nationally, placing this program in the 68th percentile. The debt load of $13,433 is actually quite reasonable for the field—sitting in just the 17th percentile nationally, meaning most similar programs saddle students with significantly more debt.
Within Virginia's competitive cosmetology landscape, this program holds its own at the median for both earnings and debt. While it doesn't crack the top tier occupied by specialized esthetics schools that can command $25,000-$29,000 starting salaries, it offers a reliable path into the profession. The 23% earnings growth over four years suggests career progression potential, with graduates reaching nearly $24,000 by year four.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 means graduates typically earn back their educational investment within nine months—a strong indicator for a certificate program. For parents concerned about their child taking on debt for vocational training, this program strikes a good balance between cost and earning potential in a field where skills and client relationships often matter more than the school name on the certificate.
Where Paul Mitchell the School-Tysons Corner Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
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-Tysons Corner graduates compare to all programs nationally
Paul Mitchell the School-Tysons Corner graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 68th 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 Virginia
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (27 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Tysons Corner | $19,234 | $23,598 | $13,433 | 0.70 |
| The Esthetic Institute | $29,301 | — | $11,208 | 0.38 |
| Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics | $27,490 | $36,799 | $6,944 | 0.25 |
| The Chrysm Institute of Esthetics | $23,974 | $21,513 | $7,333 | 0.31 |
| Dermal Science International Aesthetics and Nail Academy | $22,763 | $21,094 | $8,517 | 0.37 |
| Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center | $21,937 | — | $13,666 | 0.62 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Esthetic Institute Vienna | — | $29,301 | $11,208 |
| Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics Ashland | — | $27,490 | $6,944 |
| The Chrysm Institute of Esthetics Virginia Beach | — | $23,974 | $7,333 |
| Dermal Science International Aesthetics and Nail Academy Reston | — | $22,763 | $8,517 |
| Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center Culpeper | — | $21,937 | $13,666 |
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-Tysons Corner, approximately 29% 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 322 graduates with reported earnings and 367 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.