Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Chenoweth

Empire Beauty School-Chenoweth delivers solid value in Kentucky's cosmetology landscape, ranking in the 60th percentile among state programs despite starting with below-average first-year earnings of $15,679. What makes this program particularly attractive is the combination of low debt burden ($13,583 versus a national median of $9,862) and strong earning trajectory—graduates see 30% income growth by year four, reaching $20,441.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 is quite manageable, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their student loans within a year of their starting salary. While the program ranks nationally in just the 34th percentile for earnings, it performs much better within Kentucky, suggesting it's well-positioned for the local market. The school also serves a significant population of Pell Grant recipients (54%), indicating experience with students from various economic backgrounds.

Compared to top Kentucky programs like PJ's College in Bowling Green ($21,439) or Paul Mitchell-Louisville ($20,033), this program offers a middle-ground option with lower debt exposure. For families prioritizing manageable debt over maximum earning potential, Empire Beauty School-Chenoweth represents a reasonable investment that should allow graduates to enter the workforce without overwhelming financial burden while building toward solid mid-career earnings in the cosmetology field.