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

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

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of Southern Indiana comes closer — median earnings $47,605 against a $51,692 total, vs $24,397 at Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Southern IndianaEmpire Beauty School-Indianapolis
Net price / yr$12,923$17,213
Total net cost$51,692$68,852
Median earnings, 10 yrs$47,605$24,397
Median debt$20,105$10,667
Payback
20-year net return-$66,792-$548,112

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

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

University of Southern Indiana, at $12,923 a year after aid versus $17,213 — a gap of $4,290 a year, or $17,160 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

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

University of Southern Indiana graduates report a median $47,605 ten years after entry, $23,208 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, University of Southern Indiana or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis?

Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis: its completers carry a median $10,667 in federal loans versus $20,105 at University of Southern Indiana, a difference of $9,438. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

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

Is University of Southern Indiana or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis a better value?
University of Southern Indiana 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, University of Southern Indiana or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis?
University of Southern Indiana: $12,923/yr net price after aid versus $17,213/yr at Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis — a difference of $4,290 a year, or about $17,160 over four years.
Do University of Southern Indiana or Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis graduates earn more?
University of Southern Indiana graduates earn a median $47,605 ten years after entry, versus $24,397 at Empire Beauty School-Indianapolis — a $23,208 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.