Empire Beauty School's program structure and locations

Empire Beauty School operates multiple campuses across the United States, primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, though the exact number and locations change as the company opens and closes sites. The school offers cosmetology training as its main program, along with related tracks in esthetics and nail technology at some locations. The cosmetology curriculum typically runs between 1,200 and 1,500 hours depending on your state's licensing requirements, since each state sets its own minimum hour threshold.

The school structures training in both full-time and part-time schedules. Full-time students generally complete the program in under a year, while part-time attendance extends the timeline to 18 months or longer. Empire Beauty School operates on a rolling enrollment model, meaning you can start at different points throughout the year rather than on fixed semester dates. Before enrolling, you should contact your nearest campus directly to confirm current program offerings, tuition costs, and whether they serve your state's licensing board.

Key Takeaways

  • Empire Beauty School requires you to verify that your specific campus is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) before enrolling, since accreditation status varies by location.
  • The school's tuition and fees differ significantly by campus and program length, so you need to request a cost breakdown directly from the location where you plan to study.
  • Graduates must pass their state's cosmetology licensing exam (often called the state board exam) to work as a licensed cosmetologist, which Empire Beauty School prepares you for but does not may provide you will pass.
  • Empire Beauty School's job placement rates and graduate outcomes are not independently verified, so you should ask the school for documentation of where recent graduates work and what they earn.
  • You can compare Empire Beauty School to other cosmetology programs by looking at accreditation status, total program cost, schedule options, and whether the school's location matches where you plan to work after graduation.

Accreditation and state licensing requirements

Empire Beauty School's accreditation through NACCAS matters because it signals the program meets national standards for cosmetology training. However, NACCAS accreditation does not mean every Empire Beauty School campus holds that status — you must confirm accreditation for the specific location where you plan to enroll. Your state's cosmetology licensing board is the body that actually determines whether you can sit for the state exam after graduation, and they set the hour requirements and curriculum standards your school must follow.

Before committing to Empire Beauty School, contact your state's cosmetology licensing board (often called the State Board of Cosmetology or Department of Professional Regulation) and ask them which Empire Beauty School locations they recognize. Some states accept training from any NACCAS-accredited school, while others maintain their own approved school lists. Graduating from a school your state does not recognize means you cannot sit for the licensing exam in that state, even if you completed all the hours.

Tuition, fees, and financial aid options

Empire Beauty School's tuition varies by campus and program type. A full-time cosmetology program at one location may cost significantly more or less than the same program at another Empire Beauty School campus. The school typically charges tuition per credit hour or as a flat program fee, and you may face additional costs for textbooks, supplies, uniforms, and licensing exam fees. You should request an itemized cost breakdown from your chosen campus before making a decision.

The school participates in federal student loan programs, meaning you may be able to borrow through Direct Loans if the campus is Title IV-may be able to access. Some campuses also accept payment plans that let you spread costs over the program length. Private loans and employer tuition information are other funding sources to explore. Because costs and aid options differ by location, contact the financial aid office at your specific campus to understand what you would actually pay and what borrowing options exist for your situation.

Curriculum and hands-on training

Empire Beauty School's cosmetology curriculum covers the technical skills required by your state: hair cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, scalp and hair care, sanitation and safety, and business practices. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice in a student salon setting, where you work on real clients under instructor supervision. The balance between theory and practice, and the quality of that practice, varies by campus and instructor.

The school's student salon is where you build the practical hours your state requires. You work on paying clients, which means you gain real-world experience but also means the salon operates as a revenue source for the school. Ask your campus how many hours you spend in the student salon versus classroom, and whether you work on mannequins, student models, or paying clients. This detail matters because some states count only certain types of practice toward your required hours.

How Empire Beauty School compares to other cosmetology programs

Empire Beauty School is one option among many for cosmetology training. Community colleges, independent beauty schools, and other chains like Paul Mitchell Schools or Aveda Institute all offer cosmetology programs. The main differences to compare are accreditation status, total cost, program length, schedule flexibility, campus location, and job placement support after graduation.

Community colleges typically charge less tuition than private beauty schools but may have longer wait lists and less flexible scheduling. Independent beauty schools vary widely in cost and quality. National chains like Empire Beauty School offer multiple locations and consistent curriculum across sites, but that consistency does not mean better outcomes than a smaller local school. The best comparison is to look at schools in your area, verify their accreditation and state recognition, get their total cost in writing, and ask where their recent graduates are working and what they earn.

Graduation and licensing exam preparation

Completing Empire Beauty School's program means you finish the required hours and coursework, but it does not mean you automatically pass your state's licensing exam. The school typically provides exam preparation materials and practice tests, but the quality and depth of that preparation varies. Some schools offer dedicated exam prep courses or tutoring; others assume you will study on your own using the materials provided.

Your state's licensing exam is written and administered by your state's cosmetology board, not by Empire Beauty School. The exam tests both written knowledge and practical skills. You pay a separate exam fee to your state (amounts vary by state, typically between $100 and $300). After you pass, you explore for your license through your state board. Ask your Empire Beauty School campus what percentage of recent graduates passed the state exam on their first attempt, and what support they offer if you do not pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Empire Beauty School accredited?

Some Empire Beauty School campuses hold NACCAS accreditation, but not all. You must verify accreditation for the specific location where you plan to enroll by checking NACCAS's directory or calling the campus directly. Your state's cosmetology board can also tell you whether they recognize that particular campus.

How much does Empire Beauty School cost?

Tuition and fees vary by campus and program length. Full-time cosmetology programs typically range from several thousand to over $20,000, but you need to contact your chosen campus for an exact quote. Ask for an itemized breakdown that includes tuition, books, supplies, uniforms, and exam fees.

Can I use federal student loans at Empire Beauty School?

Some Empire Beauty School campuses are Title IV-may be able to access, meaning you can borrow federal Direct Loans if you meet income and citizenship requirements. Not all campuses participate, so contact the financial aid office at your location to confirm. Private loans and payment plans are other options to explore.

Will Empire Beauty School help me find a job after graduation?

Most beauty schools offer some job placement support, but the level of help and the outcomes vary. Ask your campus what job placement services they provide, and ask for documentation of where recent graduates are working. Do not rely on the school's job placement alone — build your own network and search independently.

What if I don't pass the state licensing exam?

Failing the state exam means you cannot work as a licensed cosmetologist until you pass. Most states let you retake the exam, though you pay the fee again. Ask Empire Beauty School what exam prep support they offer to students who do not pass on the first attempt, and whether they charge for retake tutoring.