Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Lebanon

Empire Beauty School-Lebanon delivers cosmetology training at a below-average price point, but the earnings outcomes lag behind both national and state benchmarks. With first-year earnings of $16,062 compared to the national median of $17,113, graduates earn about $1,000 less annually than the typical cosmetology program graduate. Among Pennsylvania's 60 cosmetology programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile—meaning 60% of state programs produce higher-earning graduates.

The financial picture has some positives. At $13,583, the debt load is relatively manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85, and graduates show solid 25% earnings growth over four years, reaching $20,024. However, even after this growth, earnings remain below what top Pennsylvania programs achieve in the first year—Metro Beauty Academy graduates start at $21,226, for example.

For parents considering this investment, the program offers affordable entry into cosmetology but positions graduates in the lower tier of earning potential. Given that Pennsylvania has numerous stronger-performing cosmetology programs, it's worth comparing options carefully. The manageable debt load means financial risk is limited, but the opportunity cost of attending a higher-performing program could be significant over a career.