Palomar Institute of Cosmetology
Palomar Institute of Cosmetology is a private for-profit institution in San Marcos, CA earning an overall grade of Unranked, and enrolling about 173 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 22:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $18,176, about $1,178 more than the national median. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $20,718. That's about $22,970 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Palomar Institute of Cosmetology Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Palomar Institute of Cosmetology's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Program Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time certificate-seeking students.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | Not reported |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 36.8% of Palomar Institute of Cosmetology students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,191/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $22,036/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $20,718
- 10-Year Median Earnings $23,451
- Average Years to Graduate 1.0 years
- Average Student Debt $6,333
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 53.2%
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Palomar Institute of Cosmetology graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Palomar Institute of Cosmetology vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Palomar Institute of Cosmetology's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Palomar Institute of Cosmetology's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 173
- Full-Time Students 100.0%
- Part-Time Students 0.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 22:1
How to Get Into Palomar Institute of Cosmetology
1. Meet Program Requirements: Palomar Institute of Cosmetology focuses on practical skills and career readiness. Review the specific program requirements, which may include a high school diploma or equivalent, and any prerequisite coursework.
2. Prepare for Your Program: Focus on demonstrating your interest in the field and readiness for hands-on training. Some programs may require interviews or portfolio submissions.
3. Understand Admissions: Trade and certificate programs typically have open or moderately selective admissions focused on program fit rather than academic competition.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Palomar Institute of Cosmetology undergraduates. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services draws the most students.
- Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services 100.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Certificate Programs
- 1. Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services $22,861
Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Palomar Institute of Cosmetology. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 98 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 173
- Full-Time Students 100.0%
- Part-Time Students 0.0%
- Male Students 2.9%
- Female Students 97.1%
- Caucasian 27.2%
- Asian 4.0%
- Hispanic 58.4%
- Black 0.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 36.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Palomar Institute of Cosmetology's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Palomar Institute of Cosmetology's undergraduate population. Women make up 97.1% of the student body, while men represent 2.9%.
EDsmart Insight: Palomar Institute of Cosmetology has a diverse student body, with 27.2% identifying as White. Women make up 97.1% of undergraduates.
Our Take
Palomar Institute of Cosmetology is unranked in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a Unranked overall grade with 0.0% ROI.
At $18,176 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.
EDsmart Assessment: Palomar Institute of Cosmetology
Unranked grade | Unranked
Performance Overview: Palomar Institute of Cosmetology's 0.0% return on investment and unranked status reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $18,176 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.
Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare Palomar Institute of Cosmetology's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.
Decision Framework: Use Palomar Institute of Cosmetology's Unranked grade and unranked status as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Median earnings of $20,718 run about 53% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,176 is roughly $1,058 higher than the national median of $17,118.
- 22:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
Helpfulness for Students
- 22:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Average net price of $18,176 is about $1,058 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 36.8% trails the national share by 2.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in San Marcos, CA, Palomar Institute of Cosmetology operates as a private for-profit institution and receives a Unranked from EDsmart. Completion earns Unranked, Support Unranked, Career Outcomes Unranked, and Affordability Unranked.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Review the charts above for a breakdown of tuition, aid, and typical expenses.
Aid awards vary by student profile, so completing the net price calculator is the best next step.
Graduates leave with a median of $6,333 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 36.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $20,718 at the median. That sits about 53% below the national median.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Palomar Institute of Cosmetology admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address 355 Via Vera Cruz #3, San Marcos, CA 92078
- Website pic.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNational Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)