Degree Dividend
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Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis vs Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Indianapolis IN · vs · Private for-profit, Indianapolis IN

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis comes closer — median earnings $46,396 against a $113,484 total, vs $24,397 at Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLincoln College of Technology-IndianapolisEmpire Beauty School-Indianapolis
Net price / yr$28,371$17,213
Total net cost$113,484$68,852
Median earnings, 10 yrs$46,396$24,397
Median debt$11,730$10,667
Payback
20-year net return-$152,764-$548,112

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

Which is cheaper, Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis?

Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis, at $17,213 a year after aid versus $28,371 — a gap of $11,158 a year, or $44,632 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis graduates earn more?

Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis graduates report a median $46,396 ten years after entry, $21,999 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, Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis?

Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis: its completers carry a median $10,667 in federal loans versus $11,730 at Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis, a difference of $1,063. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis vs Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis: frequently asked questions

Is Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis a better value?
Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis 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, Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis?
Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis: $17,213/yr net price after aid versus $28,371/yr at Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis — a difference of $11,158 a year, or about $44,632 over four years.
Do Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis graduates earn more?
Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis graduates earn a median $46,396 ten years after entry, versus $24,397 at Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis — a $21,999 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.