Analysis
Empire Beauty School-Savannah's cosmetology program delivers below-average earnings outcomes that should give parents pause. Graduates earn just $15,322 in their first year—significantly below both the national median of $17,113 and Georgia's median of $16,832. Among Georgia's 45 cosmetology programs, this ranks in only the 40th percentile, meaning 60% of in-state alternatives produce better results.
The debt picture offers some relief, with graduates owing $10,667 compared to Georgia's typical $12,831 for cosmetology programs. However, this moderate debt advantage doesn't offset the earnings gap. The debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio of 0.70 is manageable, but when you're starting at such low wages, every dollar of debt matters more. Even after four years, earnings only grow to $18,075—still trailing what graduates from top Georgia programs like Lanier Technical College ($22,686) earn right out of school.
For families considering this investment, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere within Georgia first. Several technical colleges deliver substantially better earning potential for similar or lower debt loads. While cosmetology can provide stable employment, Empire Beauty School-Savannah appears to underperform compared to readily available in-state alternatives that could position your child for stronger financial outcomes from day one.
Where Empire Beauty School-Savannah Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Empire Beauty School-Savannah 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-Savannah | $15,322 | $18,075 | +18% |
| Gwinnett Technical College | $18,291 | $28,112 | +54% |
| Columbus Technical College | $19,094 | $27,211 | +43% |
| Elaine Sterling Institute | $15,263 | $24,675 | +62% |
| Keune Academy by 124 | $19,319 | $24,558 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (45 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Empire Beauty School-SavannahSavannah | — | $15,322 | $18,075 | $10,667 | 0.70 |
 Lanier Technical CollegeGainesville | $3,716 | $22,686 | $23,453 | — | — |
 Atlanta School of MassageAtlanta | — | $20,792 | — | $11,555 | 0.56 |
 International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage TherapySandy Springs | — | $20,551 | $19,533 | $9,398 | 0.46 |
 South Georgia Technical CollegeAmericus | $3,782 | $20,501 | — | — | — |
 Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta | $3,212 | $19,659 | $17,642 | — | — |
| 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-Savannah, approximately 49% 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 662 graduates with reported earnings and 856 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.