Median Earnings (1yr)
$19,234
68th percentile (60th in VA)
Median Debt
$13,433
36% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.70
Manageable
Sample Size
322
Adequate data

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

Paul Mitchell the School-Tysons CornerOther 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-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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Paul Mitchell the School-Tysons Corner$19,234$23,598$13,4330.70
The Esthetic Institute$29,301—$11,2080.38
Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics$27,490$36,799$6,9440.25
The Chrysm Institute of Esthetics$23,974$21,513$7,3330.31
Dermal Science International Aesthetics and Nail Academy$22,763$21,094$8,5170.37
Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center$21,937—$13,6660.62
National Median$17,113—$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Virginia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.