Cosmetology at Avenue Five Institute

Avenue Five Institute's cosmetology program delivers something rare in beauty school: graduates who actually out-earn most peers while carrying reasonable debt. With first-year earnings of $23,144—outpacing 95% of cosmetology programs nationally and 80% in Texas—these graduates are building viable careers in Austin's competitive beauty market. That $28,368 four-year mark shows steady income growth, not the stagnation that plagues many beauty school credentials.

The $7,917 debt load sits below both the Texas median ($8,467) and national average ($9,862), though you're still paying more than the lowest-cost programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, most graduates should clear this in under a year of focused payments. For context, this ranks among the top five cosmetology programs in Austin proper—trailing Paul Mitchell and Champion Beauty by a few thousand dollars annually, but ahead of dozens of alternatives.

The 23% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates develop client bases and secure better positions over time rather than hitting a ceiling. With 42% of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves working-class students who see measurable returns. If your child is committed to a beauty career and considering Austin-area schools, this program delivers better economics than most alternatives. Just ensure they understand $28,000 represents a realistic ceiling for the field, not a starting point for higher earnings.