Cosmetology at Neecee's Barber College

The $14,275 first-year earnings from Neecee's Barber College fall short of what most Texas cosmetology graduates achieve—this program ranks at just the 40th percentile statewide, meaning 60% of comparable programs produce better outcomes. The gap is even wider when you look at top Texas programs, where graduates earn nearly double. While the $16,500 debt load is relatively low for cosmetology training (5th percentile nationally), it still exceeds the first-year earnings, creating an immediate financial strain that's unusual even in this typically low-wage field.

The 66% Pell Grant rate indicates this school serves primarily students from low-income families, making the weak earnings particularly concerning. When someone starts at $14,275 and owes more than they make in year one, even manageable debt becomes a burden. Texas has 151 cosmetology programs to choose from, and many deliver substantially better results without dramatically higher debt loads.

For families considering cosmetology training in Texas, this program doesn't clear the basic bar: graduates should earn enough in their first year to at least match their educational debt. Look at programs where first-year earnings exceed $20,000—they exist throughout Texas and would provide a much stronger financial foundation for launching a cosmetology career.