Cosmetology at Charles and Sues School of Hair Design

Charles and Sue's School of Hair Design graduates earn $23,225 in their first year—substantially better than both the Texas median of $16,412 and the national median of $17,113 for cosmetology programs. Among Texas's 151 cosmetology schools, this program ranks in the 80th percentile, placing it among the stronger options in a state with many choices. While it doesn't quite reach the earnings of Austin's Paul Mitchell program ($26,824), it delivers competitive outcomes at a debt level ($9,833) close to the national median.

The concerning element here is the earnings decline—graduates see their income drop 12% by year four, falling to $20,327. This likely reflects the realities of the beauty industry, where initial client-building momentum can be difficult to sustain or where some graduates shift to lower-paying salon positions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 remains manageable, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in under six months of full earnings.

For a student committed to cosmetology and planning to stay in Texas, this program offers a strong starting position with debt that won't create long-term financial strain. The key is understanding that success in this field depends heavily on individual hustle—building and retaining a client base, which isn't guaranteed by any program's curriculum. The numbers suggest this school prepares students well for that challenge, even if the industry itself makes sustained income growth difficult.