American InterContinental University-Atlanta vs Paul Mitchell the School-Esani: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but American InterContinental University-Atlanta comes closer — median earnings $36,144 against a $65,928 total, vs $26,287 at Paul Mitchell the School-Esani. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | American InterContinental University-Atlanta | Paul Mitchell the School-Esani |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,482 | $18,522 |
| Total net cost | $65,928 | $74,088 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $36,144 | $26,287 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | $9,833 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$310,248 | -$515,548 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, American InterContinental University-Atlanta or Paul Mitchell the School-Esani?
American InterContinental University-Atlanta, at $16,482 a year after aid versus $18,522 — a gap of $2,040 a year, or $8,160 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do American InterContinental University-Atlanta or Paul Mitchell the School-Esani graduates earn more?
American InterContinental University-Atlanta graduates report a median $36,144 ten years after entry, $9,857 more than the $26,287 at Paul Mitchell the School-Esani. 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, American InterContinental University-Atlanta or Paul Mitchell the School-Esani?
Paul Mitchell the School-Esani: its completers carry a median $9,833 in federal loans versus $31,000 at American InterContinental University-Atlanta, a difference of $21,167. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
77% of students finish at Paul Mitchell the School-Esani, against 21% at American InterContinental University-Atlanta. 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.