Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Wyoming Valley

Empire Beauty School-Wyoming Valley delivers below-average earnings but keeps debt surprisingly manageable for a cosmetology program. While first-year graduates earn $15,679—well below both national ($17,113) and Pennsylvania ($16,236) medians—the school's debt levels rank in the 16th percentile nationally, meaning 84% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. At $13,583 in median debt, students here borrow only slightly more than the state average.

The earnings growth story is more encouraging. Graduates see a solid 30% jump from year one to year four, reaching $20,441, which approaches the earnings of top Pennsylvania cosmetology programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 means students typically earn back their full debt amount within their first year—a reasonable financial foundation for a trade program.

However, among Pennsylvania's 60 cosmetology programs, this school ranks in just the 40th percentile for earnings, with top programs like Metro Beauty Academy producing graduates earning $5,500+ more annually. For families prioritizing lower debt over maximum earning potential, Empire Beauty School offers a viable path into cosmetology without crushing financial burden. But if your child is determined to maximize their earning potential in this field, stronger programs exist within Pennsylvania that justify their higher costs.