Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,639
63rd percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$13,849
40% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Empire Beauty School-PottsvillePottsville$18,639$20,245$13,8490.74
Metro Beauty AcademyAllentown$21,226$21,774$13,3810.63
Penn Commercial Business/Technical SchoolWashington$13,654$20,871$21,778$11,3180.54
South Hills Beauty AcademyPittsburgh$20,852$22,780$7,6620.37
Douglas Education CenterMonessen$18,950$20,532$20,851$11,6460.57
Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic BodyworkLancaster$19,624$23,986$7,2080.37
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.