Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-E Memphis

Empire Beauty School-E Memphis delivers below-average earnings outcomes in a field where maximizing income potential is crucial for financial viability. With first-year earnings of $16,062—ranking in just the 38th percentile nationally and 40th percentile in Tennessee—graduates earn about $1,500 less than the typical Tennessee cosmetology program graduate and $1,000 below the national average.

The program's saving grace is its relatively low debt burden. At $13,583, students borrow significantly more than the national median ($9,862), but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 remains manageable compared to many certificate programs. Still, this means graduates will likely spend their entire first year's salary just covering educational debt. The 25% earnings growth to $20,024 by year four shows income does improve, but even then, graduates trail the top Tennessee programs by $5,000+ annually.

Given that Tennessee has 47 cosmetology programs to choose from, and several consistently produce graduates earning $20,000+ in their first year, this program represents a missed opportunity. The Salon Professional Academy-Nashville, for example, delivers 61% higher first-year earnings. For families focused on return on investment, exploring higher-performing Tennessee alternatives would likely yield better financial outcomes for the same career path.