Analysis
Empire Beauty School-Chandler presents a concerning value proposition for cosmetology training. Despite having relatively low debt ($13,583 vs. $21,132 state median), graduates earn significantly less than peers across Arizona. At the 25th percentile among Arizona cosmetology programs, first-year earnings of $15,679 trail the state median by over $5,400—a substantial gap in an already modest-income field.
The program's below-average performance becomes starker when compared to Arizona's top cosmetology schools, where graduates typically earn $22,000-$27,000 in their first year. Even accounting for the school's lower debt load, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 means graduates carry nearly a full year's salary in debt. While earnings do grow 30% by year four to $20,441, this still lags behind what many Arizona cosmetology graduates earn in their first year elsewhere.
The silver lining is the manageable debt level, ranking in the 16th percentile nationally. However, this advantage is overshadowed by the earnings deficit. With 24 cosmetology programs in Arizona and several clearly superior options available, your child would likely be better served by higher-performing in-state alternatives that offer similar training but lead to substantially better earning potential right after graduation.
Where Empire Beauty School-Chandler Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Empire Beauty School-Chandler 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-Chandler | $15,679 | $20,441 | +30% |
| Pure Aesthetics Natural Skincare School | $21,125 | $31,813 | +51% |
| Penrose Academy | $23,700 | $31,518 | +33% |
| Aveda Institute-Tucson | $23,086 | $26,437 | +15% |
| Aveda Institute-Phoenix | $23,086 | $26,437 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (24 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Empire Beauty School-ChandlerChandler | $15,679 | $20,441 | $13,583 | 0.87 |
 Southwest Institute of Healing ArtsTempe | $26,795 | $22,250 | $9,500 | 0.35 |
 Penrose AcademyScottsdale | $23,700 | $31,518 | $8,043 | 0.34 |
 Aveda Institute-PhoenixTempe | $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 |
| Aveda Institute-TucsonTucson | $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 |
 International Barber CollegeChandler | $22,925 | — | $16,500 | 0.72 |
| 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-Chandler, approximately 59% 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 828 graduates with reported earnings and 1007 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.