Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Hanover

Empire Beauty School-Hanover delivers typical cosmetology earnings with below-average debt, making it a relatively safe choice in this field. With first-year earnings of $17,113 matching the national median and ranking in the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania cosmetology programs, graduates earn what you'd expect from this career path. More importantly, the program's $16,500 median debt sits in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of cosmetology programs nationwide saddle students with more debt.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.96 is manageable, meaning graduates owe roughly what they'll earn in their first year. While cosmetology isn't a high-earning field anywhere, this program positions students reasonably well with 20% earnings growth by year four to $20,472. However, looking at top Pennsylvania programs reveals the opportunity cost: Metro Beauty Academy graduates earn $4,100 more in their first year, which could significantly impact long-term financial outcomes.

For families considering cosmetology training, Empire Beauty School-Hanover offers a lower-risk path with reasonable debt levels, though not the highest earning potential in the state. The program serves its purpose if your child is committed to this career, but exploring higher-performing Pennsylvania schools could yield better returns on the same time investment.