Cosmetology at Baldwin Beauty School-North Austin

Baldwin Beauty School-North Austin graduates earn $22,437 in their first year—nearly $5,000 more than the typical Texas cosmetology program and $5,300 above the national median. Among the state's 151 cosmetology schools, this program ranks in the 80th percentile for earnings, making it one of the stronger options in a crowded field. With debt under $10,000, graduates face manageable monthly payments of roughly $100, representing about 5% of take-home pay.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their income drop 15% by year four, falling to $19,145. This isn't uncommon in cosmetology, where many graduates start as salon employees before potentially opening their own businesses or working inconsistent hours. The question becomes whether that first-year earning advantage persists in real terms, even as the absolute number declines.

For a family considering this program, the math is straightforward: your child would start earning more than 80% of cosmetology graduates in Texas while taking on less debt than many programs charge. The investment pays back quickly—total debt equals about five months of first-year earnings. Just understand that building a sustainable income in this field requires strategic career moves beyond that initial placement, whether that's building a client base, specializing in higher-margin services, or eventually moving into salon ownership.