Cosmetology at Glitz School of Cosmetology

Glitz School of Cosmetology graduates earn slightly below both the national median ($17,113) and New Mexico's median ($16,854) for cosmetology programs—landing in the 40th percentile statewide. The school's $12,766 median debt matches the state median exactly but runs about $3,000 higher than the national figure, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79. This means graduates leave owing roughly 80% of what they'll make in their first year, though the relatively modest total debt amount shouldn't take decades to repay like many bachelor's degree programs.

The earnings gap matters more than it might seem in this field. Top New Mexico cosmetology programs like Aveda Institute show it's possible for graduates to earn $18,842—about $2,600 more annually than Glitz graduates. Over a career, that compounds significantly. With 61% of students receiving Pell grants, these earnings differences hit hardest for students who can least afford the gap. The school performs similarly to several other Las Cruces-area programs, but families should compare carefully against Albuquerque and Santa Fe schools that deliver stronger early outcomes.

For parents whose child is committed to cosmetology, Glitz isn't a disaster—the debt is manageable and the earnings aren't drastically below state norms. But several New Mexico alternatives offer better returns for similar or lower cost, making this a program worth comparing before committing.