Degree Dividend
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Indiana University-Southeast vs Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis: which has better ROI?

Public, New Albany IN · vs · Private for-profit, Indianapolis IN

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Indiana University-Southeast comes closer — median earnings $47,596 against a $31,552 total, vs $24,397 at Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureIndiana University-SoutheastEmpire Beauty School-Indianapolis
Net price / yr$7,888$17,213
Total net cost$31,552$68,852
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,596$24,397
Median debt$19,684$10,667
Payback
20-year net return-$46,832-$548,112

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Indiana University-Southeast or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis?

Indiana University-Southeast, at $7,888 a year after aid versus $17,213 — a gap of $9,325 a year, or $37,300 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Indiana University-Southeast or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis graduates earn more?

Indiana University-Southeast graduates report a median $47,596 ten years after entry, $23,199 more than the $24,397 at Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Indiana University-Southeast or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis?

Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis: its completers carry a median $10,667 in federal loans versus $19,684 at Indiana University-Southeast, a difference of $9,017. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Indiana University-Southeast vs Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis: frequently asked questions

Is Indiana University-Southeast or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis a better value?
Indiana University-Southeast comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Indiana University-Southeast or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis?
Indiana University-Southeast: $7,888/yr net price after aid versus $17,213/yr at Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis — a difference of $9,325 a year, or about $37,300 over four years.
Do Indiana University-Southeast or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis graduates earn more?
Indiana University-Southeast graduates earn a median $47,596 ten years after entry, versus $24,397 at Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis — a $23,199 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.