Analysis
Empire Beauty School-Pottsville delivers solid value in Pennsylvania's competitive cosmetology landscape, with graduates earning above both national and state medians while carrying reasonable debt loads. At $18,639 in first-year earnings, graduates out-earn the typical cosmetology program nationally ($17,113) and significantly outperform Pennsylvania's state median ($16,236). The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania cosmetology schools and 63rd percentile nationally—respectable positioning that puts it ahead of most competitors.
The debt picture is particularly encouraging. With median debt of $13,849, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in less than nine months of gross earnings. This debt load sits in just the 13th percentile nationally, indicating Empire keeps costs well below industry norms. While slightly above Pennsylvania's median debt ($13,308), the higher earnings more than justify the modest additional cost.
For parents considering this investment, the numbers work. Your child would graduate with skills that command above-average wages in the cosmetology field while avoiding the crushing debt that plagues many career programs. The 9% earnings growth from year one to four suggests decent career progression potential. While this won't make your child wealthy, it provides a stable foundation for entering the beauty industry without financial stress.
Where Empire Beauty School-Pottsville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Empire Beauty School-Pottsville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Beauty School-Pottsville | $18,639 | $20,245 | +9% |
| Bella Capelli Academy | $16,192 | $25,037 | +55% |
| Bucks County School of Beauty Culture Inc | $15,797 | $24,518 | +55% |
| The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona | $19,048 | $24,115 | +27% |
| Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork | $19,624 | $23,986 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (60 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $18,639 | $20,245 | $13,849 | 0.74 | |
| — | $21,226 | $21,774 | $13,381 | 0.63 | |
| $13,654 | $20,871 | $21,778 | $11,318 | 0.54 | |
| — | $20,852 | $22,780 | $7,662 | 0.37 | |
| $18,950 | $20,532 | $20,851 | $11,646 | 0.57 | |
| — | $19,624 | $23,986 | $7,208 | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates
Skincare Specialists
Barbers
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Shampooers
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-Pottsville, approximately 55% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 721 graduates with reported earnings and 859 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.