Cosmetology at Dallas Barber & Stylist College

Dallas Barber & Stylist College's cosmetology program costs roughly half what most Texas beauty schools charge—just $5,125 versus the state median of $8,467—but that affordability comes with earnings that plateau quickly. Graduates start at $18,506, which actually beats 60% of Texas cosmetology programs, but then see incomes drop to $16,126 by year four. This reverse trajectory is unusual but not necessarily disastrous in cosmetology, where many graduates transition to booth rental, entrepreneurship, or reduce hours after establishing clientele.

The real story here is debt efficiency. At 0.28 times first-year earnings, you're looking at debt that could realistically be cleared within months, not years. Compare that to programs costing $15,000+ where stylists face the same income ceiling but with three times the financial burden. For the 79% of students here receiving Pell grants, keeping debt this low matters more than chasing the $26,000+ earnings at top Texas programs—especially since those higher earners often work more hours or in higher cost-of-living areas.

If your child can stay motivated despite the dip in reported earnings (which may reflect scheduling flexibility rather than declining rates), this program delivers what matters most in cosmetology training: licensure and minimal debt. The income may not impress, but neither will the loan payments.