Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
Analysis
This Empire Beauty School program delivers earnings that exceed the national average for cosmetology but falls short within Wisconsin's competitive landscape. With first-year earnings of $18,639, graduates earn about $1,500 more than the typical cosmetology program nationally. However, the program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Wisconsin cosmetology schools, where the state median is significantly higher at $21,659.
The debt picture is notably positive—at $13,849, students graduate with relatively low debt that represents less than three-quarters of their first-year earnings. This debt load sits in the 13th percentile nationally, meaning 87% of similar programs nationwide saddle students with more debt. The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth, reaching $20,245 by year four.
The challenge is Wisconsin's unusually strong cosmetology market, where top programs like Waukesha County Technical College produce graduates earning over $27,000. While this program offers reasonable value with manageable debt and decent national performance, families should weigh whether the lower earnings potential compared to other in-state options justifies the investment, especially given that several Wisconsin schools achieve 20-30% higher starting salaries.
Where Empire Beauty School-Green Bay Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Empire Beauty School-Green Bay 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-Green Bay | $18,639 | $20,245 | +9% |
| Aveda Institute-Madison | $25,029 | $29,220 | +17% |
| The Institute of Beauty and Wellness | $25,029 | $29,220 | +17% |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Milwaukee | $19,570 | $28,742 | +47% |
| VICI Beauty School | $21,773 | $27,025 | +24% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Empire Beauty School-Green BayAshwaubenon | — | $18,639 | $20,245 | $13,849 | 0.74 |
 Waukesha County Technical CollegePewaukee | $4,720 | $27,049 | — | $9,750 | 0.36 |
 Aveda Institute-MadisonMadison | — | $25,029 | $29,220 | $10,555 | 0.42 |
| The Institute of Beauty and WellnessMilwaukee | — | $25,029 | $29,220 | $10,555 | 0.42 |
 The Salon Professional Academy-OnalaskaOnalaska | — | $25,017 | $25,347 | $12,000 | 0.48 |
 Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeEau Claire | $4,724 | $23,405 | $25,795 | $9,395 | 0.40 |
| 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
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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-Green Bay, approximately 55% 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 721 graduates with reported earnings and 859 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.