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UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences-McAllen
McAllen, Texas · Private for-profit career school
Address: 8401 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78504 · Phone: (956) 687-9444 · School website ↗ · Verify on College Scorecard ↗
No accreditor sanctions in the last 36 months
UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences-McAllen is a private for-profit trade school in McAllen, Texas, offering cosmetology, nail technician, and esthetician programs, accredited by NACCAS.
Per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, this campus has a 69.2% completion rate versus a 63.5% state average, with graduates carrying $6,447 in median debt and earning $19,880 in median earnings 10 years after entry.
Annual cost of attendance at UCAS McAllen is $16,659, federal financial aid including FAFSA and Pell Grants can be used here, and 47.8% of students receive Pell Grants.
What these trades pay once you're working
| Occupation | Starting (10th pct) | Median | Experienced (75th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists | $23,580 | $30,680 | $47,180 |
| Manicurists and pedicurists | $18,950 | $34,040 | $38,900 |
| Skincare specialists | $27,390 | $49,250 | $68,780 |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wages for everyone employed in the occupation in Texas (May 2025; national where the state figure is not published). The program table below shows what this campus's own graduates earned in their first year, whatever job they took.
Trade programs at this campus
| Program | Credential | Grads / yr | Earnings, yr 1 | Earnings, yr 2 | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 1–2 years | 53 | $12,574 | $14,105 | $7,431 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 39 | $12,574 | $14,105 | $7,431 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 34 | $12,574 | $14,105 | $7,431 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 7 | $12,574 | $14,105 | $7,431 |
Earnings are median wages and self-employment income reported to the IRS (W-2 and Schedule SE) for graduates who received federal aid and were working and not enrolled, measured in the calendar year after finishing. They are pay only: health insurance, retirement contributions and other benefits are not included.
Graduates per year from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey. Earnings and debt are College Scorecard field-of-study medians for graduates of this program at this campus (reported at the 4-digit program level, so closely related programs share a figure); "not reported" means too few graduates were counted to publish a figure.
About this school
UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences-McAllen is a private for-profit trade school located in McAllen, Texas. It is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, and students can use federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) to help pay for their education here. The campus awards credentials mainly in cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics, with cosmetology schools (60 completers), nail technician schools (39), and esthetician schools (34) making up its top programs across four total program offerings.
Federal data shows a completion rate of 69.2%, which is above the Texas state average of 63.5%. Graduates carry a median debt of $6,447, and median earnings 10 years after entry are reported at $19,880. Annual cost of attendance is listed at $16,659, and 47.8% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a substantial share of the student body qualifies for need-based aid.
This campus, with 53 undergraduates and 133 trade completers, appears sized for focused, hands-on training in beauty and personal-care trades rather than broad academic study, which may suit those seeking a direct path into cosmetology, nail, or esthetics work. Program length and scheduling details are not reported for this campus in federal data, so applicants should contact the school directly or review its accreditor status and the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard to verify current program offerings, costs, and outcomes before enrolling.
Questions students ask
What trade and career programs does this campus offer?
This campus offers cosmetology, nail technician, and esthetician programs, with cosmetology schools, nail technician schools, and esthetician schools listed as its top programs across four total program offerings.
Is this school accredited, and by whom?
Yes, it is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), and its accreditation status is listed as accredited.
Can I use federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) at this school?
Yes, this school participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, so students can use FAFSA and Pell Grants here.
What share of students finish their program here, and how does that compare to the state?
The completion rate is 69.2%, which is above the Texas state average of 63.5%, according to federal data.
How much debt do graduates of this school typically carry?
Graduates carry a median debt of $6,447, per federal Scorecard data.
What do graduates of this school earn?
Median earnings 10 years after entry are reported at $19,880.
How much does it cost to attend for a year?
The annual cost of attendance is $16,659, per federal data.
Is this a public, non-profit, or for-profit school, and why does that matter?
This is a private for-profit school; for-profit control can affect tuition levels, aid eligibility, and institutional accountability, so verifying accreditation and outcomes is especially important.
How long do the programs here take to complete?
Program length is not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school at (956) 687-9444 or visit its website for details.
How do I verify this school's accreditation and outcomes myself?
You can verify accreditation through NACCAS and review official outcome data on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard at the provided link.
Is this school a good fit for an adult changing careers?
The campus offers focused, hands-on programs in cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics rather than broad academic study, which may suit those seeking a direct path into these trades, though fit should be confirmed by contacting the school.
What license or certification will I need after finishing a program here?
Licensing requirements for cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics vary by state and are not reported in federal data; contact the school or the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for specifics.
How do I contact the school or apply?
You can contact UCAS McAllen at (956) 687-9444 or through its website at https://www.ucastx.com/ to learn about applying.
How does this campus compare with other schools offering the same trade nearby?
Comparative data on nearby schools is not reported for this campus in federal data; use the College Scorecard link to compare institutions directly.
Data: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey; College Scorecard June 2026; Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), September 2026. Figures are the U.S. Department of Education's official measures, not Career Training Path's opinion. Tuition, schedules and program availability change — confirm with the school before enrolling.