Cosmetology at UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences-McAllen

A $13,940 starting salary against $8,100 in debt tells the essential story here: graduates are earning below minimum wage for full-time work in their first year. While the debt load is manageable in absolute terms, these earnings place graduates in the bottom quarter of Texas cosmetology programs—and that's in a state where beauty schools already trend below the national median. The top-performing Texas programs show graduates earning double what UCAS-McAllen students make, suggesting location or training quality matters significantly in this field.

The 16% earnings growth to year four brings income to just $16,130, still trailing both state and national benchmarks. With 94% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population that can least afford underwhelming returns. The concerning reality is that graduates would likely earn similar or better wages in entry-level retail or food service positions without taking on debt or investing time in certification.

For parents considering this program, the question isn't whether cosmetology can be a viable career—clearly it can, given what graduates earn elsewhere in Texas—but whether *this particular program* provides adequate training and placement support to justify the investment. The data suggests it doesn't compete effectively even within its own market.