Cosmetology at Academy of Hair Design-Jasper

Academy of Hair Design-Jasper graduates earn $14,039 in their first year—well below both the Texas median of $16,412 and the national average of $17,113. While this places the program at the 40th percentile statewide (meaning it outperforms nearly 40% of Texas cosmetology programs), the state's top schools produce graduates earning nearly double these figures. The $16,500 in debt, though relatively low compared to four-year degrees, still exceeds that first-year salary and runs nearly twice the national median debt for cosmetology programs.

The positive here is genuine earnings growth: graduates see a 28% income increase by year four, reaching $17,950. That trajectory suggests skills develop with experience, which is typical in cosmetology. However, even after four years, earnings remain below what graduates from stronger Texas programs make immediately after graduation. Over half the students here receive Pell grants, indicating this serves a lower-income population for whom any debt burden carries extra weight.

For families committed to cosmetology training in East Texas, this program offers local access with manageable debt. But the earnings gap is significant enough that exploring higher-performing Texas schools—even if it means relocating or commuting—could mean starting $10,000 higher annually. Given cosmetology's income potential varies dramatically by program, comparison shopping matters more here than in many fields.