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Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia
Gastonia, North Carolina · Private for-profit career school · Training programs available:
Address: 284 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054 · Phone: (704) 864-8723 · School website ↗ · Verify on College Scorecard ↗
No accreditor sanctions in the last 36 months
Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia is a private for-profit trade school in Gastonia, NC offering cosmetology programs, accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
Per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, this campus has a 55.6% completion rate versus a 47.8% state average, median graduate debt of $12,874, and median earnings of $23,966 ten years after entry.
Annual cost of attendance at Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia is $26,938, federal financial aid including FAFSA and Pell Grants can be used here, and 44.3% of students receive Pell Grants.
What these trades pay once you're working
| Occupation | Starting (10th pct) | Median | Experienced (75th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists | $26,880 | $38,410 | $48,300 |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wages for everyone employed in the occupation in North Carolina (May 2025; national where the state figure is not published). The program table below shows what this campus's own graduates earned in their first year, whatever job they took.
Trade programs at this campus
| Program | Credential | Grads / yr | Earnings, yr 1 | Earnings, yr 2 | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 1–2 years | 30 | $16,937 | $17,481 | $15,541 |
Earnings are median wages and self-employment income reported to the IRS (W-2 and Schedule SE) for graduates who received federal aid and were working and not enrolled, measured in the calendar year after finishing. They are pay only: health insurance, retirement contributions and other benefits are not included.
Graduates per year from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey. Earnings and debt are College Scorecard field-of-study medians for graduates of this program at this campus (reported at the 4-digit program level, so closely related programs share a figure); "not reported" means too few graduates were counted to publish a figure.
About this school
Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia is a private for-profit trade school located in Gastonia, North Carolina, a small city setting. The campus is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and participates in federal financial aid (Title IV), meaning eligible students can use FAFSA, federal loans, and Pell Grants. The school's primary offering is cosmetology, with 30 completers reported in cosmetology schools out of an undergraduate enrollment of 97.
According to federal data, this campus has a completion rate of 55.6%, which is above the North Carolina state average of 47.8% for similar programs. Graduates carry a median debt of $12,874. Median earnings 10 years after entry are reported at $23,966. The annual cost of attendance is listed at $26,938, and 44.3% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a substantial share of the student body qualifies for need-based federal aid.
This campus appears suited to students pursuing a single, focused cosmetology credential rather than a multi-program associate degree pathway. The program length itself is not reported for this campus in federal data, so applicants weighing a career-change timeline should confirm scheduling and program duration directly with the school. To verify accreditation status and review the latest federal outcomes data, prospective students can check with the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and consult the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Questions students ask
What trade and career programs does this campus offer?
Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia offers cosmetology programs, with 30 program completers reported in this field.
Is this school accredited, and by whom?
Yes, the school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, and its accreditation status is listed as Accredited.
Can I use federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) at this school?
Yes, this school participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, so students can use FAFSA and Pell Grants.
What share of students finish their program here, and how does that compare to the state?
The completion rate is 55.6%, which is above the North Carolina state average of 47.8%.
How much debt do graduates of this school typically carry?
Graduates carry a median debt of $12,874, according to federal data.
What do graduates of this school earn?
Median earnings 10 years after entry are reported at $23,966.
How much does it cost to attend for a year?
The annual cost of attendance is $26,938.
Is this a public, non-profit, or for-profit school, and why does that matter?
This is a private for-profit school, which can affect tuition costs and financial aid options compared to public or non-profit institutions; verify specifics with the school directly.
How long do the programs here take to complete?
Program length is not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school at (704) 864-8723 or visit its website for details.
How do I verify this school's accreditation and outcomes myself?
You can verify accreditation through the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and review federal outcomes data at the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?444486).
Is this school a good fit for an adult changing careers?
The school offers a single, focused cosmetology program, which may suit those seeking a shorter, career-specific credential, though exact program length and schedule are not reported in federal data; contact the school to confirm fit for your situation.
What license or certification will I need after finishing a program here?
Licensing requirements for cosmetology are not detailed in this data; contact the school or check North Carolina's cosmetology licensing board for specifics.
How do I contact the school or apply?
You can reach Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia by phone at (704) 864-8723 or visit https://paulmitchell.edu/gastonia.
How does this campus compare with other schools offering the same trade nearby?
Comparative data on nearby cosmetology schools is not reported here; consult the College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?444486) to compare outcomes across schools.
Other trade and career schools in Gastonia, NC
- Amazing Grace Dental Assisting Academy of GastoniaGastonia, NC · state-licensed school
- Road Knowledge Training AcademyGastonia, NC
- Royal Dental Assistant Academy – GastoniaGastonia, NC · state-licensed school
- Umanah Healthcare Institute – GastoniaGastonia, NC · state-licensed school
- Gaston CollegeDallas, NC · 63% completion
- Stanly Community CollegeAlbemarle, NC · 48% completion
- Empire Beauty School-ConcordConcord, NC · 65% completion
- Cabarrus College of Health SciencesConcord, NC · college
See all trade and career schools in North Carolina or search by ZIP code.
Data: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey; College Scorecard June 2026; Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), September 2026. Figures are the U.S. Department of Education's official measures, not Career Training Path's opinion. Tuition, schedules and program availability change — confirm with the school before enrolling.