Cosmetology at Manuel and Theresa's School of Hair Design-Bryan

Manuel and Theresa's graduates earn $20,768 in their first year—ranking in the 80th percentile among Texas cosmetology programs and significantly above both the state median ($16,412) and national median ($17,113). With just $6,993 in debt, this program costs considerably less than the typical cosmetology certificate while delivering better outcomes. That combination is rare and valuable.

The major concern is what happens next: earnings drop to $13,566 by year four, a 35% decline that's difficult to explain through normal market patterns. This could reflect graduates transitioning from commission-based salon work to other careers, moving to part-time schedules, or data quirks from the moderate sample size. Whatever the cause, it suggests this program may be better viewed as a gateway credential rather than a four-year career investment.

For families weighing the decision, the math still works if you're realistic about the trajectory. The low debt means even if your daughter uses cosmetology as a stepping stone—perhaps to salon ownership, makeup artistry, or another field entirely—she won't carry a heavy financial burden. The strong first-year earnings and competitive ranking in Texas indicate solid training, but don't count on those earnings to grow over time.