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Allan Hancock College vs Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto: which has better ROI?

Public, Santa Maria CA · vs · Private for-profit, Modesto CA

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Allan Hancock College comes closer — median earnings $42,786 against a $21,532 total, vs $28,691 at Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAllan Hancock CollegePaul Mitchell the School-Modesto
Net price / yr$5,383$17,246
Total net cost$21,532$68,984
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,786$28,691
Median debt$6,211
Payback
20-year net return-$133,012-$462,364

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Allan Hancock College or Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto?

Allan Hancock College, at $5,383 a year after aid versus $17,246 — a gap of $11,863 a year, or $47,452 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Allan Hancock College or Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto graduates earn more?

Allan Hancock College graduates report a median $42,786 ten years after entry, $14,095 more than the $28,691 at Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto. 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 graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto, against 26% at Allan Hancock College. 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.

Allan Hancock College vs Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto: frequently asked questions

Is Allan Hancock College or Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto a better value?
Allan Hancock College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Allan Hancock College or Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto?
Allan Hancock College: $5,383/yr net price after aid versus $17,246/yr at Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto — a difference of $11,863 a year, or about $47,452 over four years.
Do Allan Hancock College or Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto graduates earn more?
Allan Hancock College graduates earn a median $42,786 ten years after entry, versus $28,691 at Paul Mitchell the School-Modesto — a $14,095 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.