Cosmetology at Manuel and Theresa's School of Hair Design

Manuel and Theresa's School of Hair Design starts graduates strong—first-year earnings of $20,768 rank in the 80th percentile among Texas cosmetology programs, outpacing the state median by over $4,300. With debt under $7,000, graduates owe just four months' salary, making this one of the most affordable pathways into beauty services in the state. Nearly half the students come from families receiving Pell grants, and they're borrowing substantially less than typical for this field.

The significant concern here is what happens after that first year. By year four, median earnings drop to $13,566—a 35% decline that could reflect anything from reduced hours for family reasons to the challenges of building a client base in a smaller market like Brenham. This pattern isn't unusual in cosmetology, where many graduates work part-time or transition to other roles, but the magnitude matters for financial planning.

For families who understand this career path often involves variable hours and entrepreneurial hustle, the low debt makes experimentation affordable. Your child can test whether salon work, booth rental, or independent styling suits them without being trapped by payments. Just recognize that the strong initial placement doesn't guarantee long-term income growth—success will depend heavily on their ability to build and retain clients in what remains a highly individualized profession.