Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg

This cosmetology program delivers below-average earnings but comes with refreshingly low debt, creating a more manageable financial picture than most beauty schools. While graduates earn $16,062 in their first year—ranking in the 38th percentile nationally and 40th percentile in Pennsylvania—they carry just $13,583 in debt compared to the national median of $9,862. More importantly, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 means students can realistically pay off their loans, unlike many beauty programs where debt far exceeds earning potential.

The earnings trajectory shows promise, with 25% growth from year one to year four, reaching $20,024. However, Pennsylvania offers notably stronger cosmetology programs—the top five schools in the state produce graduates earning $19,600-$21,200 in their first year, significantly outpacing Empire Beauty School's outcomes. The gap suggests students might find better value elsewhere in Pennsylvania's competitive beauty education market.

For families considering this path, Empire Beauty School represents a middle-of-the-road choice that won't create crushing debt but also won't maximize earning potential. Given Pennsylvania's abundance of cosmetology programs (60 statewide), parents should strongly encourage their child to compare outcomes at nearby schools like Metro Beauty Academy or Penn Commercial, which deliver 25-30% higher starting salaries for similar career preparation.