Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Owings Mills

Empire Beauty School-Owings Mills delivers solid value in Maryland's competitive cosmetology market, though graduates should expect modest starting salaries typical of the beauty industry. With median earnings of $16,429 in the first year after graduation, this program performs at the 60th percentile among Maryland cosmetology schools—meaning it outperforms most in-state competitors. The $13,583 in median debt is reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83, which is manageable compared to many other fields.

The financial picture improves with time, as earnings grow 21% to nearly $20,000 by the fourth year. What's particularly encouraging is that this program keeps debt relatively low—at just the 16th percentile nationally, meaning 84% of similar programs nationwide saddle students with more debt. While top Maryland programs like Paul Mitchell partner schools can lead to $20,000+ starting salaries, Empire's combination of lower debt and decent earnings creates a more accessible path into the industry.

For families considering this investment, the math works: graduates typically earn enough to service their debt while building skills in a stable industry. However, understand that cosmetology is not a high-earning field—even successful graduates rarely break into upper-middle-class income levels. This program makes sense for students passionate about beauty services who value job security and entrepreneurial opportunities over high salaries.