Cosmetology at Diamonds College

The numbers here tell a troubling story, even accounting for the small sample size. With a first-year earnings of just $15,859 and debt of $16,500, graduates are immediately underwater—owing more than they earn annually. While earnings do climb substantially to $25,451 by year four, that starting point remains below both the Texas median ($16,412) and national average, ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide. For context, the top-performing Texas cosmetology programs produce graduates earning $26,000+ right away—nearly double what Diamonds College grads make initially.

The debt burden amplifies the concern. At $16,500, Diamonds charges roughly twice what typical cosmetology programs require nationally ($9,862 median) and nearly double the Texas median. Only 5% of cosmetology programs saddle students with more debt. For a field where many practitioners work part-time or build clientele gradually, starting with debt that exceeds your first year's entire income creates serious financial strain. The 53% Pell grant rate suggests many students here have limited financial cushion to absorb this burden.

Given the small sample and the clear gap between Diamonds and better-performing Texas programs, parents should look hard at alternatives. Even modest improvements in starting salary—like those at programs earning $23,000+—would dramatically change the financial picture while likely costing less upfront.