Cosmetology at Tri-State Cosmetology Institute

Tri-State Cosmetology Institute's outcomes sit below both Texas and national benchmarks for cosmetology programs, but the relatively low debt load makes this a cautious yes for students committed to the field. Graduates earn around $16,000 annually—about $1,000 less than the Texas median and $1,100 below the national average. That puts this program in the bottom half statewide (40th percentile) and nationally (37th percentile). The top cosmetology programs in Texas see graduates earning over $26,000, though those likely serve different markets or have stronger salon placement networks.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $6,400, students here borrow about $2,000 less than the Texas median. That's the 95th percentile nationally for low debt—meaning only 5% of cosmetology programs leave graduates with less to repay. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, students could realistically pay this off within a couple years if they commit extra income to it. The slight earnings decline from year one to year four ($566 drop) is common in the beauty industry as schedules fluctuate.

For families in El Paso where nearly 70% of students receive Pell grants, this program provides affordable entry into cosmetology without the crushing debt some schools impose. The earnings won't be impressive, but neither will the monthly loan payments. If your child has realistic expectations about beautician wages and strong motivation to build a clientele, the financial risk here is manageable.