Analysis
Empire Beauty School-Springfield delivers solid value in Pennsylvania's competitive cosmetology market, ranking in the 60th percentile among state programs while keeping debt remarkably low. With first-year earnings of $16,429 and manageable debt of $13,583, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.83—meaning they owe less than one year's salary, which is excellent for any career-training program.
The financial picture improves over time, with earnings growing 21% to nearly $20,000 by year four. While this trails the top Pennsylvania programs by $1,000-2,000 annually, Empire's significantly lower debt load (16th percentile nationally) creates a clearer path to financial stability. The school's 55% Pell Grant population suggests it successfully serves students from diverse economic backgrounds.
For parents weighing this investment, Empire offers a practical entry point into cosmetology without the debt burden seen at many competitors. The earnings may not reach the state's highest levels, but the combination of reasonable debt and steady income growth makes this a financially sound choice for students committed to the beauty industry.
Where Empire Beauty School-Springfield Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Empire Beauty School-Springfield 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-Springfield | $16,429 | $19,898 | +21% |
| 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 →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Empire Beauty School-SpringfieldSpringfield | — | $16,429 | $19,898 | $13,583 | 0.83 |
 Metro Beauty AcademyAllentown | — | $21,226 | $21,774 | $13,381 | 0.63 |
 Penn Commercial Business/Technical SchoolWashington | $13,654 | $20,871 | $21,778 | $11,318 | 0.54 |
 South Hills Beauty AcademyPittsburgh | — | $20,852 | $22,780 | $7,662 | 0.37 |
 Douglas Education CenterMonessen | $18,950 | $20,532 | $20,851 | $11,646 | 0.57 |
 Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic BodyworkLancaster | — | $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-Springfield, 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 665 graduates with reported earnings and 828 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.