Cosmetology at Mitchells Academy

Raleigh, NC · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 33 students in Raleigh, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $21,495/yr, edging above the $17,289 national average for Cosmetology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.

At $5,500 in median debt against $21,495 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #210 of 1,095 nationally, this is a top-5% Cosmetology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $24,474 are relatively flat compared to the $21,495 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
41
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $21,495/yr (24% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$250K
3.3% 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
$5,500
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$24,474
14% 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

Cosmetology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at Mitchells Academy?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
What's the typical debt for Cosmetology graduates from Mitchells Academy?
Median debt of just $5,500 against $21,495/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Why does Mitchells Academy rank so high for Cosmetology?
Among 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Mitchells Academy's #210 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Mitchells Academy?
If Mitchells Academy's tuition gives you pause, consider that 5 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Mitchells Academy find jobs?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Mitchells Academy graduates specifically, local market conditions in NC may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →