Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Springfield
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
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-Springfield graduates compare to all programs nationally
Empire Beauty School-Springfield graduates earn $16k, placing them in the 42th 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-Springfield | $16,429 | $19,898 | $13,583 | 0.83 |
| 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-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.