Empire Beauty School-Glen Burnie

Student life revolves entirely around the cosmetology program within a commuter-campus setting. With only 77 full-time undergraduate students, the environment is intimate and focused. The school reports having several clubs and activities, though their nature is unspecified and likely industry-related (e.g., student cosmetology associations, competition teams). There is no mention of traditional residential life, athletics, or a sprawling campus; the experience is centered on the salon-classroom. One external source lists the campus as home to 134 full time undergraduate students, a discrepancy that may reflect different reporting years or methodologies, but the consistent theme is a small, concentrated student body. Life is defined by the rhythm of technical classes, salon practice sessions, and building a professional portfolio.

Outcomes are measured by program completion, licensure exam passage, and entry-level earnings in the beauty trade. The graduation rate is reported at 36%, and the retention rate is 46%. These figures are typical for for-profit career colleges where student attrition can be high due to financial, personal, or academic reasons. For those who complete their program, the median earnings one year after graduation are $36,427. Another source, based on historical data, suggests a salary range 6 years after graduation between $8,900 and $29,000, indicating significant variability in earnings potential within the field. A relevant data point from a sister school, Empire Beauty School-Chenoweth, shows 53% of students graduated within 150% of "normal time" for their program, offering a benchmark for on-time completion. The primary outcome is a license to practice and the skills to seek employment in salons, spas, or as an independent stylist.

As a for-profit institution, cost and financing are central concerns for students. The school emphasizes that it offers a variety of financial aid options for those who qualify, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The primary gateway for federal aid is the FAFSA, which is the only form needed to apply for federal grants and loans. The school provides a Net Price Calculator on its website to help prospective students estimate their costs after aid. Specific tuition figures for the Glen Burnie campus are not provided in the sources, but data from another Empire campus (Florence) shows costs of $15,377 after scholarships and grants, with an average aid package of $4,722. This suggests that while the sticker price may be significant, aid packages can substantially reduce the net priceNet priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.. Financial need is a requirement for some aid, like Subsidized Loans, but not for Unsubsidized Loans.

Empire Beauty School-Glen Burnie stands out for its singular, unapologetic focus. It is not a college trying to be anything other than what it is: a trade school. Its character is defined by the hands-on, salon-floor learning model where the Student Salon is the true classroom. The vibe is pragmatic, fast-paced, and industry-connected. It serves a specific student: someone seeking a direct, skills-based path into cosmetology without the gen-eds or campus life of a traditional college. Its small size (77 students) creates an intimate, workshop-like atmosphere. While its graduation and retention rates are low, its model is designed for career-switchers and those seeking a specific technical credential, not a four-year degree. In a higher education landscape obsessed with rankings and prestige, Empire-Glen Burnie's identity is refreshingly clear: it's a bootcamp for beauty professionals.