Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Jackson

Empire Beauty School-Jackson delivers middling results in a field where earnings are inherently limited, but the debt picture is notably better than most competitors. With first-year earnings of $16,251, graduates earn slightly below both national and Tennessee medians for cosmetology programs. However, the school keeps debt remarkably low at $14,492—landing in just the 7th percentile nationally, meaning 93% of cosmetology programs saddle students with more debt.

This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89, meaning graduates owe less than one year's salary. While other Tennessee programs like The Salon Professional Academy-Nashville produce higher earners ($25,878), they likely come with significantly higher debt loads. The 16% earnings growth from year one to four suggests modest career progression, and with 73% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves students who need affordable training options.

For families prioritizing affordability in cosmetology education, Empire Beauty School-Jackson offers reasonable debt levels that won't trap graduates in long-term financial stress. However, if your child is highly motivated and can access funding for pricier alternatives, several Tennessee programs produce graduates earning $4,000-9,000 more annually. The key question is whether that extra earning potential justifies potentially much higher debt at competing schools.