Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia
A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. for-profit institutions have higher scrutiny — research carefully. 58% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia is a private for-profit institution located in West Columbia, South Carolina with approximately 256 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $18,210 per year. The graduation rate is 56%, and the typical graduate earns $26,696 within 10 years of enrollment.
Students drawn to cosmetology and beauty careers who want hands-on, career-focused training in a smaller setting will feel most at home here — the 256-student enrollment means you're not just a number, and the program has a clear vocational focus from day one. The relatively manageable median debt of $11,740 at graduation is a genuine bright spot, especially compared to many for-profit schools that leave students buried in loans. That said, the numbers tell a cautious story: a 56% graduation rate means nearly half of students who start don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling, and median earnings of $26,696 a decade out reflect the real income ceiling in this field rather than a marketing promise. At $18,210 per year in net costs, families should do the math carefully to make sure the investment aligns with realistic earnings expectations in the Columbia-area market. Before committing, visit in person, ask current students about their experience, and research what local salons and employers actually pay — the program can work, but going in clear-eyed gives you the best shot at being in the half that finishes and thrives.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (256 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in South Carolina
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC · Public
Clemson University
Clemson, SC · Public
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC · Public
Trident Technical College
Charleston, SC · Public
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC · Public
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC · Public
See How Colleges Compare
Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia is one of thousands of colleges in our data studies, each built from the same U.S. Department of Education data shown on this page. Compare schools head to head:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia cost?
The average net price at Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia is about $18,210 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.
What is the graduation rate at Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia?
Paul Mitchell the School-Columbia has a graduation rate of 56%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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