Cosmetology at Texas College of Cosmetology-Abilene

Texas College of Cosmetology-Abilene delivers middle-of-the-pack results in a field where earnings are inherently limited. At $17,339 after one year, graduates earn slightly more than the typical Texas cosmetology program ($16,412) and rank in the 60th percentile statewide—meaning they're doing better than most peers in a market with 151 competing schools. However, with nearly flat earnings growth (just 3% over four years), graduates essentially plateau immediately. The top programs in Texas—like Paul Mitchell the School-Austin at $26,824—demonstrate that significantly higher earnings are possible in this field, though those programs may come with different tradeoffs.

The $8,250 debt load sits below both state and national medians, which matters given the limited earning potential. With 72% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a predominantly lower-income population where every dollar of debt counts. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means graduates can realistically manage repayment, though they'll need to budget carefully on annual earnings under $18,000.

The fundamental question is whether any cosmetology certificate justifies the investment when earnings cap out so quickly. This program at least keeps debt relatively contained while delivering slightly above-average Texas outcomes. For students committed to this career path with limited alternatives, it's a reasonable choice—but families should understand they're entering a low-wage profession where entrepreneurial hustle matters more than the certificate itself.