Academy of Art University vs Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Academy of Art University comes closer — median earnings $39,008 against a $162,452 total, vs $26,897 at Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Academy of Art University | Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,613 | $35,975 |
| Total net cost | $162,452 | $143,900 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $39,008 | $26,897 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | $13,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$349,492 | -$573,160 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Academy of Art University or Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego?
Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego, at $35,975 a year after aid versus $40,613 — a gap of $4,638 a year, or $18,552 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Academy of Art University or Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego graduates earn more?
Academy of Art University graduates report a median $39,008 ten years after entry, $12,111 more than the $26,897 at Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Academy of Art University or Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego?
Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego: its completers carry a median $13,000 in federal loans versus $31,000 at Academy of Art University, a difference of $18,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
99% of students finish at Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego, against 34% at Academy of Art University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.