Analysis
Empire Beauty School-Florence delivers solid performance in cosmetology training, with graduates earning notably more than both national and Kentucky averages. At $18,408 in first-year earnings, graduates outperform the national median by $1,300 and significantly exceed Kentucky's median of $15,322. Among Kentucky's 27 cosmetology programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—respectable performance in a competitive state market.
The debt picture is particularly attractive. At $15,765, student debt is higher than the national median but creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within their first year of earnings. More importantly, this debt level ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, indicating most other cosmetology programs saddle students with significantly more debt for similar or lower earnings.
While this program doesn't reach the earnings levels of Kentucky's top performers like PJ's College ($21,439) or Paul Mitchell schools (around $20,000), it offers a balanced value proposition. With 11% earnings growth over four years and a robust sample size giving confidence in the data, Empire Beauty School-Florence represents a solid middle-tier choice that won't break the bank while providing competitive earning potential in Kentucky's cosmetology market.
Where Empire Beauty School-Florence Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Empire Beauty School-Florence 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-Florence | $18,408 | $20,474 | +11% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Louisville | $20,033 | $23,572 | +18% |
| PJ's College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green | $21,439 | $20,857 | -3% |
| Empire Beauty School-Chenoweth | $15,679 | $20,441 | +30% |
| Summit Salon Academy-Lexington | $16,679 | $19,450 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (27 total in state)
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| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Empire Beauty School-FlorenceFlorence | $18,408 | $20,474 | $15,765 | 0.86 |
 PJ's College of Cosmetology-Bowling GreenBowling Green | $21,439 | $20,857 | $10,667 | 0.50 |
 Paul Mitchell the School-LouisvilleLouisville | $20,033 | $23,572 | $12,583 | 0.63 |
 Ideal Beauty AcademyLouisville | $19,513 | $18,702 | $8,401 | 0.43 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-LexingtonLexington | $18,950 | $18,824 | $16,500 | 0.87 |
 Summit Salon Academy-LexingtonLexington | $16,679 | $19,450 | $10,667 | 0.64 |
| 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-Florence, approximately 56% 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 626 graduates with reported earnings and 757 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.