Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Chandler
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Empire Beauty School-Chandler graduates compare to all programs nationally
Empire Beauty School-Chandler graduates earn $16k, placing them in the 34th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Beauty School-Chandler | $15,679 | $20,441 | $13,583 | 0.87 |
| Southwest Institute of Healing Arts | $26,795 | $22,250 | $9,500 | 0.35 |
| Penrose Academy | $23,700 | $31,518 | $8,043 | 0.34 |
| Aveda Institute-Phoenix | $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 |
| Aveda Institute-Tucson | $23,086 | $26,437 | $10,555 | 0.46 |
| International Barber College | $22,925 | — | $16,500 | 0.72 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Tempe | — | $26,795 | $9,500 |
| Penrose Academy Scottsdale | — | $23,700 | $8,043 |
| Aveda Institute-Phoenix Tempe | — | $23,086 | $10,555 |
| Aveda Institute-Tucson Tucson | — | $23,086 | $10,555 |
| International Barber College Chandler | — | $22,925 | $16,500 |
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.