Cosmetology at Kilgore College

Kilgore College's cosmetology program graduates are earning roughly $16,000 annually—about $450 less than the Texas median and $1,200 below the national average. That's a meaningful gap when you're starting at such modest income levels. The program sits at the 40th percentile among Texas cosmetology schools, meaning six out of ten comparable programs in the state deliver better first-year outcomes. Meanwhile, debt of $9,500 runs slightly higher than the Texas median of $8,467, creating a concerning dynamic where graduates carry above-average debt for below-average returns.

The reality is stark when you look at top Texas performers: several schools are helping graduates earn $26,000 or more in their first year—nearly double what Kilgore graduates typically make. While cosmetology earnings generally start modest across the board, the wide variation in outcomes suggests that school choice matters significantly in this field, likely due to differences in training quality, regional job markets, or industry connections.

With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60, graduates are borrowing more than half their first year's salary for a certificate that's underperforming most Texas alternatives. If your child is set on cosmetology, exploring higher-earning programs in the state would be a smarter financial move, even if it means relocating for training.