Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Midlothian

Empire Beauty School-Midlothian delivers concerning results that should give parents pause before investing in this cosmetology program. Despite showing strong 30% earnings growth over four years, graduates start at just $15,679—well below both the national average ($17,113) and Virginia's median ($19,234) for cosmetology programs. Among Virginia's 27 cosmetology schools, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable state programs produce better-earning graduates.

The debt picture offers the program's only bright spot, with graduates owing a relatively modest $13,583 compared to the national average of $9,862. However, this advantage is quickly eroded by the below-average starting salaries. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 isn't catastrophic, it means graduates will struggle initially, especially when Virginia has multiple programs producing graduates earning $20,000+ right out of school.

The data reveals a clear hierarchy in Virginia's cosmetology market, with top programs like The Esthetic Institute ($29,301) and Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics ($27,490) delivering nearly double the starting earnings. Given that cosmetology is a field where skills and reputation matter significantly, choosing a program that ranks in the bottom quarter of state options puts students at a real disadvantage. Parents would be wise to explore higher-performing alternatives within Virginia's competitive cosmetology landscape.