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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $18,639 | $20,245 | $13,849 | 0.74 | |
| $6,318 | $32,987 | $36,693 | $14,250 | 0.43 | |
| — | $25,814 | $22,569 | $8,778 | 0.34 | |
| — | $25,754 | $27,175 | $9,999 | 0.39 | |
| — | $24,617 | $28,029 | $10,194 | 0.41 | |
| $5,900 | $24,367 | — | $10,169 | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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.