Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Winston-Salem

Empire Beauty School's cosmetology program presents a concerning financial picture that should give parents pause. With graduates earning just $16,251 in their first year—well below both the national ($17,113) and North Carolina state median ($17,193)—this program ranks in only the 40th percentile among similar programs. More troubling, the top-performing cosmetology programs in North Carolina produce graduates earning $21,000-$27,000, meaning students here are missing out on significantly higher earning potential available elsewhere in the state.

The debt situation does offer one bright spot: at $14,492, student debt is manageable and ranks in the 7th percentile nationally (meaning 93% of similar programs saddle students with more debt). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 is reasonable, and earnings do grow 16% over four years. However, even after four years, graduates average just $18,831—still trailing what top state programs achieve in year one.

For families considering this investment, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere in North Carolina first. Community colleges like Gaston, Central Carolina, and Wake Technical consistently produce cosmetology graduates earning $5,000-$10,000 more annually while often charging less. Unless location is the primary constraint, this program appears to underperform compared to readily available alternatives within the state.