Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Pottsville
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
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-Pottsville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Empire Beauty School-Pottsville graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 63th 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 Pennsylvania
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (60 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Beauty School-Pottsville | $18,639 | $20,245 | $13,849 | 0.74 |
| Metro Beauty Academy | $21,226 | $21,774 | $13,381 | 0.63 |
| Penn Commercial Business/Technical School | $20,871 | $21,778 | $11,318 | 0.54 |
| South Hills Beauty Academy | $20,852 | $22,780 | $7,662 | 0.37 |
| Douglas Education Center | $20,532 | $20,851 | $11,646 | 0.57 |
| Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork | $19,624 | $23,986 | $7,208 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Beauty Academy Allentown | — | $21,226 | $13,381 |
| Penn Commercial Business/Technical School Washington | $13,654 | $20,871 | $11,318 |
| South Hills Beauty Academy Pittsburgh | — | $20,852 | $7,662 |
| Douglas Education Center Monessen | $18,950 | $20,532 | $11,646 |
| Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork Lancaster | — | $19,624 | $7,208 |
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.