Purdue University Global vs Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Purdue University Global comes closer — median earnings $36,596 against a $31,080 total, vs $24,397 at Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Purdue University Global | Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $7,770 | $17,213 |
| Total net cost | $31,080 | $68,852 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $36,596 | $24,397 |
| Median debt | $26,078 | $10,667 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$266,360 | -$548,112 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Purdue University Global or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis?
Purdue University Global, at $7,770 a year after aid versus $17,213 — a gap of $9,443 a year, or $37,772 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Purdue University Global or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis graduates earn more?
Purdue University Global graduates report a median $36,596 ten years after entry, $12,199 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, Purdue University Global or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis?
Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis: its completers carry a median $10,667 in federal loans versus $26,078 at Purdue University Global, a difference of $15,411. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.