Cosmetology at Cosmetology Academy of Texarkana

The numbers here tell a troubling story: graduates earn just $15,456 in their first year and see earnings drop to $11,400 by year four—a 26% decline that's particularly concerning in a field where experience and client relationships typically build income over time. Within Texas, this program ranks in the 40th percentile, meaning 60% of the state's 151 cosmetology programs produce better outcomes. The state's top performers like Paul Mitchell-Austin and Champion Beauty College achieve earnings exceeding $26,000, demonstrating what's possible in the Texas market.

The debt picture compounds these concerns. While $16,226 might seem modest, it's nearly double the state median of $8,467 for cosmetology programs and significantly above the national median of $9,862. With first-year earnings barely covering the debt load (1.05 ratio), graduates face years of difficult repayment on income that's declining rather than growing. The 70% Pell grant rate indicates the school serves primarily low-income students who can least afford this financial burden.

For a field where success depends heavily on building a client base and developing advanced skills, these outcomes suggest something isn't working—whether it's training quality, job placement support, or local market conditions. Texas offers far stronger cosmetology programs at comparable or lower debt levels, making this a difficult program to justify.