Cosmetology at Remington College-North Houston Campus

Remington College's cosmetology program carries nearly $15,000 in debt while producing first-year earnings of just $15,381—meaning graduates owe almost as much as they'll earn in their first year. That's a particularly challenging burden given that 93% of students here receive Pell grants, indicating they're starting with limited financial cushion. While earnings do grow 16% to $17,790 by year four, that still leaves graduates earning $8,600 less annually than the top-performing cosmetology programs in Texas, which hover around $26,000.

The debt situation deserves special attention. At $14,750, this program charges 74% more than the Texas median for cosmetology schools ($8,467) and 50% more than the national median ($9,862). It ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 95% of cosmetology programs nationwide saddle students with less debt. For a field where earnings potential has a relatively low ceiling, that extra $5,000-$6,000 in borrowing compared to typical programs creates real strain.

Parents should understand that their child could earn similar or better income with substantially less debt at dozens of other Texas cosmetology schools. When the debt takes nearly a full year's salary to pay back—and when the state median program charges $6,000 less—this program's value proposition is difficult to justify financially.