Empire Beauty School-Tucson

Life at Empire is all business, with classes held Monday–Wednesday from 9 AM to 7 PM at its Speedway Boulevard campus. The intimate setting—just 6 full-time undergrads reported at one Tucson location—means students work closely with peers and instructors. Social media highlights student work, like textured waves styled by a Tucson trainee, but there’s no traditional campus vibe: no dorms, clubs, or sports. Days blend theory lessons with live client sessions, building portfolios for job searches.

The 83% graduation rate is strong for a vocational program, but post-grad earnings are modest: alumni median income is $26,908, below the national midpoint for certificate holders ($34,461). About 53% of Empire students finish on time (a proxy for the Tucson campus, per comparable data). The school emphasizes licensure prep—Arizona requires 1,600 training hours—but grads often start at chain salons or freelance, where pay scales lean entry-level. Those who stick with the field see earnings rise to ~$45k after 5 years.

Tuition runs $15,922 after aid, with the average student receiving $3,544 in grants/scholarships. The school participates in federal aid programs, and the Empire Gives Back Endowment offers additional support for qualifying students. A net priceNet priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps estimate costs, but beware: beauty schools often understate expenses like kit fees (shears, mannequins, etc.), which can add thousands. Compared to pricier rivals like Aveda, Empire positions itself as the budget option—though loans can still burden grads given the modest starting salaries.

Empire Beauty School-Tucson is unapologetically vocational—no gen-ed classes, no campus frills, just a direct path to a cosmetology license. Its 100% acceptance rate and flexible scheduling cater to non-traditional students, including those rebuilding from hardship. While earnings outcomes are humble, the school’s $500 attendance incentive and focus on hands-on client work reflect a pragmatic approach. For Tucson residents set on beauty careers, it’s the local option with the fewest barriers to entry—but success hinges on hustle post-graduation.