Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia

West Columbia, SC · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 300 students in West Columbia, SC.

Program Analysis

Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia's Cosmetology graduates start at $19,583/yr — above the $17,289 national average, though not by a wide margin.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

The $10,564 debt-to-$19,583 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #504 out of 1,095 programs, Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia's Cosmetology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $19,583 to $23,322 over five years (19% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
43
Score
44
High End
Earnings $19,583/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$240K
4.5% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Median Debt at Graduation
$10,564
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$23,322
19% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Cosmetology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Personal service managers, all other $61,340 +6.5% 48%
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance $50,280 +8.1% 66%
First-line supervisors of personal service workers $47,080 +6.7% 59%
Personal service managers, all other
$61,340
+6.5% growth 48% AI-proof
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
$50,280
+8.1% growth 66% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of personal service workers
$47,080
+6.7% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Cosmetology Career Guide

What can you do with a Cosmetology credential from Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia's Cosmetology program score?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia?
There are 5 registered apprenticeships connected to Cosmetology occupations, such as Barber and Cosmetologist. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Cosmetology from Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia graduates specifically, local market conditions in SC may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →