Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City
General Information – Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City
Overview
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City is a cosmetology and beauty training institution located in the heart of Philadelphia. The school provides aspiring beauty professionals with the education and hands-on experience needed to enter careers in hair, skin, nails, and aesthetics. The Center City location allows students to benefit from a vibrant urban setting, access to salons and spas in the city, and proximity to a diverse client base for student clinic work. This campus emphasizes preparing students to successfully pass Pennsylvania’s state licensing exams in cosmetology, offering support throughout training to build competence, confidence, and professionalism.
Through student salons and clinics, learners serve actual clients under supervision, developing customer service, technical, and business skills. Empire’s broader network and curriculum allow students to access resources, alumni connections, and career placement support. The Center City campus is part of Empire’s effort to train future beauty professionals in a central, accessible urban environment with exposure to the latest trends in beauty and wellness.
Contact Informations
Address: 1522 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19102
Phone Number: 445-465-2075
Email Address: (contact via Empire’s admissions office)
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution Name | Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City |
| Type | Private for-profit career / technical beauty school |
| Licensing & Accreditation | Operates under the Empire Beauty Schools system |
| Campus Setting | Urban / Center City Philadelphia |
| Approximate Enrollment | ~262 students (2023 data) |
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (open to eligible applicants) |
| Average Net Price after Aid | ~$17,438 |
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Rankings
| Metric / Category | Value / Status |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% |
| Net Price Rank (after grants) | Average net price ~$17,438 |
| Graduation Rate (approx) | ~34% reported |
| Institutional Classification | Less-than-2-year vocational / technical |
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Academics
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Faculties / Departments
- Department of Cosmetology / Hair Design
- Department of Esthetics / Skincare
- Department of Nail Technology
- Department of Educator Training
- Department of Salon Business & Management
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Courses and Programs / Majors
- Cosmetology (Hair, Color, Styling, Chemical Services)
- Esthetics / Aesthetics (Skin Care, Facial Treatments, Waxing)
- Nail Technology (Manicures, Pedicures, Nail Art)
- Educator Training (Instructor preparation)
- Hybrid Hairdressing / Cosmetology
- Facial Specialist / Skin Care programs
Online Learning
Empire Beauty School offers limited online or hybrid components for theoretical parts of its programs, such as business practices, safety protocols, product knowledge, and theory modules. Practical skills, labs, and clinic sessions must be conducted in person at the Philadelphia Center City campus under supervision. This blended approach allows students to complete some coursework remotely while ensuring hands-on training in salon settings.
Average Test Scores
| Test Type | Requirement or Status |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not required |
| Entrance / Placement Exams | None required for core beauty programs |
| Portfolio / Skill Demonstration | Sometimes required for educator or specialty tracks |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City reports a retention rate of about 52% for full-time students. Graduation or program completion is more variable; data shows a reported graduation rate in certain sources at ~34%. These rates reflect the demands of vocational training and student persistence in a nontraditional setting. The campus supports students with advising, mentoring, and clinic opportunities to improve retention and completion outcomes.
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Empire Beauty School does not require a specific GPA, SAT, or ACT score for admission. Applicants must have completed secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent). Admission focuses on interest, readiness, and alignment with beauty profession intent rather than standardized test metrics.
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% |
The campus practices an open admissions policy for qualified applicants.
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Application Requirements
Applicants must submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent, complete the enrollment application, and meet with admissions staff for orientation. Some programs may require additional documentation such as identification, health records, or demonstration of professional interest. No essay or recommendation letters are typically required. The admissions interview may include discussion of career goals and an overview of program expectations.
Application Process
- Submit enrollment application at the Philadelphia Center City campus
- Provide official high school transcript or GED documentation
- Attend orientation meeting / interview
- Complete any required documentation (ID, health, etc.)
- Review curriculum and schedule courses
- Enroll and begin classes
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Application Deadline / Start |
|---|---|
| Winter term | December / January |
| Spring term | March / April |
| Summer term | June / July |
| Fall term | August |
Deadlines may vary by program and cohort; students should confirm with campus admissions.
Essay Prompt
No formal essay is required for admission to Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City.
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Scholarships
Empire Beauty School offers scholarships including attendance-based awards, institutionally sponsored scholarships, and special program scholarships. The national Empire system provides scholarship opportunities through Empire’s programs. Students are encouraged to apply early and consult admissions / financial aid for eligibility.
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program / Type | Estimated Net Price / Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Beauty Programs | ~$17,438 net price after aid (2023 data) |
| Other Certificate Tracks | Varies per specialization |
| Additional Costs | Supplies, kit, uniforms, license exam fees |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
At the Philadelphia Center City campus, enrollment data from 2023 indicates about 262 students total, with 166 full-time and 96 part-time students. Female students make up approximately 94.3%, while male students represent ~5.7%. The majority of students are Black or African American (~58%), with Hispanic/Latino, White, and multiracial students also represented.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant portion of students receive federal or grant aid; in 2023, about 66% of students were supported by grant aid and 65% took student loans, indicating financial aid dependence. The school provides accommodations for students with disabilities, offering accessible facilities and support services where applicable.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~262 |
| Full-Time Students | ~166 (63.4%) |
| Part-Time Students | ~96 (36.6%) |
| Female Students | ~247 (94.3%) |
| Male Students | ~15 (5.7%) |
University Diversity
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City is characterized by substantial racial and gender diversity, especially in a field historically dominated by women. The campus draws a majority of students from underrepresented communities, with Black or African American students comprising the largest group of degree recipients. This diversity enhances peer learning and cultural competence in beauty services—students practice techniques on varied skin types, hair textures, and client preferences. The inclusive environment supports cross-cultural awareness and adaptability, preparing graduates to serve a broad client base. The school encourages an atmosphere of respect and creativity, where individual cultural expressions influence stylistic choices and client interactions.
Average Earnings
Median salaries for Empire Beauty School graduates vary widely by region, specialization, clientele base, and employment mode (commission, salon, freelance). Many entry-level cosmetologists earn between $25,000 and $35,000 annually, combining hourly or commission pay with tips. Over time and with experience, testers, salon owners, or specialization in high-demand services may exceed $50,000 or more. The school’s network, career placement efforts, and BeautyCareer.com platform help graduates access job opportunities and grow their professional clientele.
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The Center City campus employs licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, and beauty professionals as instructors who guide students in labs, salon clinics, and theory classes. Staff include admissions officers, student services counselors, clinic schedulers, and administrative support. The relatively small campus size allows staff and faculty to maintain close relationships with students, offering individualized feedback and assistance.
Faculty Profiles
Instructors at Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City typically hold state licensure in cosmetology or esthetics, substantial salon experience, and continuing education in advanced techniques. Many contribute to the curriculum, mentor student salon work, and maintain ties with the local industry. Their dual roles as educators and practitioners ensure the curriculum stays current with industry trends and standards.
Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a career training institution, Empire Beauty School – Philadelphia Center City does not provide on-campus housing. Students typically reside in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and commute. The campus includes classrooms, student salons, lab spaces, reception areas, and student lounge resources. Student life revolves around clinic days, styling events, workshops, and beauty industry guest lectures. Cohort scheduling fosters camaraderie and peer support during hands-on learning.
Transportation
The campus is located in Philadelphia’s Center City at 1522 Chestnut Street, making it accessible by public transit including regional rail, subway, buses, and walkable urban corridors. Many students commute via public transportation or drive; street parking options and transit connectivity support accessibility. The urban location enables easy access to client flow, internships, and professional salon exposure in a busy metropolitan environment.