Cosmetology at Trend Barber College

Trend Barber College graduates earn roughly $15,700 four years out—about $750 less per month than the typical Texas cosmetology program graduate. That places this program in just the 25th percentile statewide, meaning three-quarters of Texas cosmetology programs produce better earnings outcomes. When you consider that top programs in the state like Paul Mitchell-Austin and Champion Beauty College see graduates earning around $27,000, the gap becomes stark.

The debt load of $14,584 isn't catastrophic in absolute terms, but it's problematic relative to first-year earnings of just $13,687. You're looking at more than a year's salary in debt for earnings that trail both state and national medians. While graduates do see 15% earnings growth over four years, they're starting from such a low base that they're still earning below typical Texas outcomes even after that improvement. With 59% of students on Pell grants, many families here have limited financial cushion to absorb underperformance.

For parents considering Houston-area cosmetology programs, this data suggests looking elsewhere. The combination of below-average earnings and above-average debt relative to those earnings creates a difficult financial launch. Texas has 151 cosmetology programs—several in the Houston area likely offer better value, particularly those with graduates earning closer to the $26,000+ range seen at the state's stronger programs.