Cosmetology at McLennan Community College

McLennan Community College's cosmetology program starts slower than most but shows impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 47% from $16,879 to nearly $25,000 by year four. That's a steeper growth curve than typical for cosmetology programs. Among Texas cosmetology schools, this program ranks in the 60th percentile—solidly above the state median—even though it lags the top-performing Austin and Houston-area schools by roughly $5,000 to $10,000 annually.

The debt picture here is notably better than average. At $5,776, graduates owe about half what's typical nationally ($9,862) and roughly a third less than the Texas median. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.34, most graduates could realistically pay off this loan within a year or two of working full-time, even with the modest first-year earnings. The low debt load matters particularly in a field where licensing costs and kit expenses add to the financial burden.

For parents weighing this investment, the calculation is straightforward: your child would graduate with manageable debt and earnings that improve meaningfully as they build a client base. The first year will be tight financially, but the trajectory suggests many graduates establish themselves successfully. While this won't match the earning power of top Texas cosmetology programs, the combination of low debt and steady earnings growth makes it a reasonable entry point into the field, especially for students looking to stay in Central Texas.