Cosmetology at Tint School of Makeup & Cosmetology

Tint School stands out in Texas cosmetology, with first-year earnings of $23,225 placing it in the 80th percentile statewide—roughly $7,000 above the state median and nearly $6,000 above the national median for cosmetology programs. The debt load is manageable at $7,698, about $1,700 less than the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, the school appears to deliver upward mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds.

The concerning pattern is earnings decline: graduates earn about $2,000 less four years out than in their first year. This is common in beauty services when professionals leave stable salon positions to pursue independent contracting or booth rental, where they might enjoy more flexibility despite lower reported earnings. The drop doesn't necessarily signal career problems—it may reflect entrepreneurial transitions that aren't fully captured in wage data.

For families weighing cosmetology training, this program offers a strong starting position with minimal debt burden. Your child would graduate earning more than 80% of Texas cosmetology certificate holders while owing less than most. Just understand that beauty industry career paths often involve income volatility, especially for those who eventually work for themselves rather than as salon employees.