Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Michigan

Grand Rapids, MI · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 285 students in Grand Rapids, MI.

Program Analysis

At $16,062/yr, Cosmetology graduates from Empire Beauty School-Michigan land near the $17,289 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 29% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $11,743 against $16,062/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #611 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Empire Beauty School-Michigan in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 37% earnings increase from $16,062 to $22,064 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
43
High End
Earnings $16,062/yr (-7% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$236K
8.3% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Median Debt at Graduation
$11,743
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$22,064
37% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Cosmetology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Personal service managers, all other $61,340 +6.5% 48%
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance $50,280 +8.1% 66%
First-line supervisors of personal service workers $47,080 +6.7% 59%
Personal service managers, all other
$61,340
+6.5% growth 48% AI-proof
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
$50,280
+8.1% growth 66% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of personal service workers
$47,080
+6.7% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Cosmetology Career Guide

What can you do with a Cosmetology credential from Empire Beauty School-Michigan? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Michigan?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cosmetology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Empire Beauty School-Michigan?
If Empire Beauty School-Michigan's tuition gives you pause, consider that 5 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Is there demand for Cosmetology workers?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Empire Beauty School-Michigan graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →