Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Morrow
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Empire Beauty School-Morrow delivers middling results for cosmetology students, with graduates earning slightly below both national and Georgia averages. At $16,251 in first-year earnings compared to the national median of $17,113, this program ranks in the 40th percentile both nationally and within Georgia—meaning 60% of comparable programs produce higher-earning graduates.
The debt picture is more encouraging. At $14,492, student debt here is significantly higher than the national median ($9,862) but still reasonable given the earnings potential, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89. This means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans with less than one year's salary, which is manageable for this field. The 16% earnings growth from year one to year four also shows positive trajectory.
However, the earnings gap with top Georgia programs is substantial—Lanier Technical College graduates earn $22,686, nearly 40% more than Empire Beauty School students. For a field where technical skills and employer connections matter greatly, this suggests stronger programs exist within the state. While Empire Beauty School isn't a poor choice, families should compare it against Georgia's technical colleges, which appear to offer better value and outcomes in cosmetology training.
Where Empire Beauty School-Morrow Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Empire Beauty School-Morrow graduates compare to all programs nationally
Empire Beauty School-Morrow graduates earn $16k, placing them in the 40th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (45 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Beauty School-Morrow | $16,251 | $18,831 | $14,492 | 0.89 |
| Lanier Technical College | $22,686 | $23,453 | — | — |
| Atlanta School of Massage | $20,792 | — | $11,555 | 0.56 |
| International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage Therapy | $20,551 | $19,533 | $9,398 | 0.46 |
| South Georgia Technical College | $20,501 | — | — | — |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | $19,659 | $17,642 | — | — |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lanier Technical College Gainesville | $3,716 | $22,686 | — |
| Atlanta School of Massage Atlanta | — | $20,792 | $11,555 |
| International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage Therapy Sandy Springs | — | $20,551 | $9,398 |
| South Georgia Technical College Americus | $3,782 | $20,501 | — |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta | $3,212 | $19,659 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Empire Beauty School-Morrow, approximately 64% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.