Cosmetology at Avenue Five Institute-South Austin Campus

Avenue Five Institute's cosmetology program stands out in Texas's crowded beauty education market, with first-year earnings of $23,144 that beat 80% of the state's 151 competing programs. While it doesn't quite match Austin's top earners like Paul Mitchell ($26,824), it significantly outperforms the Texas median of $16,412—giving graduates a $6,700+ earnings advantage over a typical cosmetology program in the state. Nationally, the picture is even stronger: this program ranks in the 95th percentile.

The $7,917 in median debt is reasonable for a career-focused certificate, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34. More importantly, earnings show healthy momentum, growing 23% to reach $28,368 by year four. That upward trajectory suggests graduates are building clientele and developing the skills that drive income in this industry. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to be delivering economic mobility for working-class students entering a field where success depends heavily on training quality and local job markets.

For parents concerned about beauty school ROI, this program offers a manageable debt load paired with above-average earning potential in a strong job market like Austin. The combination of low debt and earnings that outpace most Texas competitors makes this a smart choice if your child is committed to cosmetology.