Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Warwick
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Empire Beauty School-Warwick delivers solid value in cosmetology training, with graduates earning notably more than both national and Rhode Island averages. At $18,639 in first-year earnings, students here outperform the national median by $1,526 and the Rhode Island median by over $2,000—ranking in the 63rd percentile nationally and 60th percentile statewide among cosmetology programs.
The debt picture is particularly attractive. With median debt of $13,849, this program ranks in the 13th percentile nationally for debt levels, meaning 87% of comparable programs saddle students with more debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 is manageable—students can expect to earn back their full investment in under nine months of full-time work. While earnings growth is modest at 9% over four years, the relatively low debt burden keeps the financial risk reasonable.
This represents a practical path into cosmetology with lower debt than most alternatives. Among the three Rhode Island cosmetology programs, Empire Beauty produces the highest-earning graduates while maintaining competitive debt levels. For students committed to the beauty industry, this program offers a clear financial advantage over most national competitors and leads the state market.
Where Empire Beauty School-Warwick 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-Warwick graduates compare to all programs nationally
Empire Beauty School-Warwick graduates earn $19k, placing them in the 63th 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 Rhode Island
Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Beauty School-Warwick | $18,639 | $20,245 | $13,849 | 0.74 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island | $16,464 | $22,368 | $12,000 | 0.73 |
| COLLECTIV Academy-Cranston | $16,082 | $20,701 | $11,200 | 0.70 |
| National Median | $17,113 | — | $9,862 | 0.58 |
Other Cosmetology Programs in Rhode Island
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Rhode Island schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island Cranston | — | $16,464 | $12,000 |
| COLLECTIV Academy-Cranston Cranston | — | $16,082 | $11,200 |
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-Warwick, approximately 51% 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 721 graduates with reported earnings and 859 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.