Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Spring Lake Park

Empire Beauty School's cosmetology program presents a concerning value proposition, particularly when compared to other Minnesota options. While graduates earn slightly above the national average ($18,408 vs. $17,113), they significantly underperform within Minnesota, ranking in just the 25th percentile among state programs with earnings nearly $6,000 below the state median of $24,204.

The debt picture is more favorable—at $15,765, it ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden, meaning 95% of similar programs load students with more debt. However, this advantage is undermined when you consider that other Minnesota schools like Saint Paul College ($32,987) and Model College of Hair Design ($25,814) produce graduates earning 60-80% more with only slightly higher debt levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, which is manageable but not ideal for an entry-level trade.

For Minnesota families, this program appears to be an inefficient path into cosmetology. Your child would likely be better served by other in-state options that deliver significantly higher earning potential for similar or only moderately higher debt. The robust sample size gives confidence in these numbers, making this a clear case where shopping around within Minnesota could substantially improve your return on investment.