Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,639
63rd percentile
25th percentile in Minnesota
Median Debt
$13,849
40% above national median

Analysis

This cosmetology program presents a mixed value proposition that depends heavily on your expectations and alternatives within Minnesota. While Empire Beauty School-Bloomington performs reasonably well nationally—ranking in the 63rd percentile for earnings and keeping debt relatively low at the 13th percentile—it significantly underperforms compared to other Minnesota cosmetology programs, ranking only in the 25th percentile statewide.

The concerning reality is that graduates here earn about $4,000 less annually than the typical Minnesota cosmetology graduate, with median earnings of $20,245 four years out versus the state median of $24,204. This gap is substantial in a field where every dollar matters for building financial stability. The state's top programs like Saint Paul College produce graduates earning over $32,000—more than 60% higher than Empire Beauty School graduates.

However, the program does offer some advantages: debt levels are reasonable at $13,849 (well below national averages), and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 is manageable. For families prioritizing lower debt over maximum earning potential, this could work. But given that several other Minnesota schools offer both higher earnings and comparable debt levels, this program appears to be a weaker choice within the state's cosmetology landscape. Consider the higher-performing in-state alternatives before committing here.

Where Empire Beauty School-Bloomington Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Empire Beauty School-Bloomington graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Empire Beauty School-Bloomington$18,639$20,245+9%
Saint Paul College$32,987$36,693+11%
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis$24,230$31,992+32%
Hastings Beauty School$23,396$30,145+29%
PCI Academy-Plymouth$24,178$29,405+22%

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Empire Beauty School-BloomingtonBloomington$18,639$20,245$13,8490.74
Saint Paul CollegeSaint Paul$6,318$32,987$36,693$14,2500.43
Model College of Hair DesignSaint Cloud$25,814$22,569$8,7780.34
Nova Academy of CosmetologyRochester$25,754$27,175$9,9990.39
Nova Academy of Cosmetology WoodburyWOODBURY$24,617$28,029$10,1940.41
Minnesota State Community and Technical CollegeFergus Falls$5,900$24,367$10,1690.42
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Empire Beauty School-Bloomington, approximately 53% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 721 graduates with reported earnings and 859 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.