Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Tucson

Empire Beauty School-Tucson's cosmetology program delivers below-average outcomes that should give you pause. With first-year earnings of $16,429, graduates earn significantly less than the Arizona state median of $21,132 for cosmetology programs—placing this program in just the 25th percentile statewide. While the debt load of $13,583 is relatively manageable compared to national standards, it's still higher than both the national median ($9,862) and Arizona median ($9,500) for similar programs.

The earnings trajectory shows some promise, with 21% growth over four years bringing median pay to $19,898, but this still lags behind what graduates from other Arizona schools achieve right out of the gate. Top-performing programs in the state like Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and Penrose Academy produce graduates earning $26,795 and $23,700 respectively in their first year—substantially more than Empire's fourth-year earnings.

For a field where hands-on skills and local reputation matter enormously, choosing a program that ranks in the bottom quarter of Arizona schools is risky. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83 isn't catastrophic, but combined with below-average starting salaries, it suggests your child would be better served by other cosmetology programs in Arizona that deliver stronger earning potential from day one.