Cosmetology at New Tyler Barber College Inc

New Tyler Barber College graduates are earning about $14,500 within a year of finishing—roughly $3,000 below the national median for cosmetology programs but surprisingly close to Arkansas's state median. Among Arkansas cosmetology schools, this program sits at the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms about half of its local competitors. However, the state's top programs produce graduates earning 40-50% more, with Arkansas Beauty School-Little Rock grads making over $21,000.

The concerning part isn't the debt—at $11,000, it's manageable and slightly below the state median—it's the earnings trajectory. Instead of building clientele and increasing income over time, graduates here see their earnings drop 10% by year four. That pattern suggests many leave the industry or struggle to establish steady work, which is unusual even in a field where early career challenges are common.

For parents weighing this investment: Your child would be middle-of-the-pack among Arkansas cosmetology grads but well below national standards. The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. If your child is committed to beauty services as a career, the debt is recoverable, but look closely at why this program's graduates aren't seeing the income growth that typically comes with building a client base. The 78% Pell grant rate suggests the school serves students with financial need, but that doesn't explain why earnings decline rather than grow.