How to Tour Empire Beauty School

Visiting a beauty school is one of the most critical decisions youll make on your journey to a career in cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology. Among the many institutions across the United States, Empire Beauty School stands out as a nationally recognized leader in beauty education, with over 90 campuses in 20+ states. Whether youre a high school graduate exploring career options, a professional seeking a career change, or someone passionate about beauty and self-expression, touring Empire Beauty School is your first tangible step toward turning passion into profession.

But what does it truly mean to tour Empire Beauty School? Its far more than a casual walkthrough. A well-executed tour is a strategic evaluation an opportunity to assess curriculum quality, instructor expertise, facility conditions, student outcomes, and overall culture. This guide will walk you through every phase of planning, conducting, and following up on a tour of Empire Beauty School, ensuring you gather the insights you need to make an informed, confident decision.

By the end of this tutorial, youll know exactly how to prepare for your visit, what to observe, whom to speak with, what questions to ask, and how to compare campuses to find the best fit for your goals. This isnt just a checklist its a comprehensive framework designed to help you uncover the truth behind marketing materials and make a decision that impacts your future.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research Empire Beauty School Locations and Programs

Before you set foot on campus, begin with online research. Visit the official Empire Beauty School website and use their campus locator tool to identify locations near you. Not all campuses offer identical programs. Some specialize in full cosmetology, while others focus on esthetics, nail technology, or teacher training. Determine which program aligns with your career goals: do you want to become a hairstylist, makeup artist, skin care specialist, or salon owner?

Review each programs curriculum outline, estimated duration, and credit requirements. Pay attention to whether the program is state-licensed and accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Accreditation ensures your education meets national standards and that your license will be recognized across state lines.

Also, check the schools graduation and job placement rates these are publicly reported metrics and can be found on the schools website or through your states licensing board. High placement rates often correlate with strong industry connections and effective career services.

Step 2: Schedule Your Tour in Advance

Do not assume you can walk in and get a tour. Empire Beauty School campuses operate on structured schedules, and instructors are often teaching classes during the day. To ensure a meaningful experience, schedule your visit at least 35 days in advance.

Use the contact form on the schools website or call the campus directly. When scheduling, specify your interests: Im interested in the cosmetology program and would like to observe a class, meet an instructor, and see the student salon. This helps the admissions team prepare a tailored experience for you.

Ask if you can tour during active class hours. Seeing students in action applying makeup, cutting hair, sanitizing tools gives you a far better sense of the learning environment than a quiet, empty room. Avoid scheduling tours on weekends or holidays, as campuses may be closed or operating with limited staff.

Step 3: Prepare a List of Questions

A successful tour hinges on asking the right questions. Prepare a written list beforehand to ensure you dont forget key topics. Categorize your questions into three areas: academics, facilities, and outcomes.

Academic Questions:

• What is the student-to-instructor ratio in hands-on labs?
• How many hours of practical training are included in the program?
• Are textbooks and kits included in tuition, or are they additional costs?
• How often is the curriculum updated to reflect industry trends?

Facility Questions:

• Are the classrooms and salon stations clean, well-lit, and fully equipped?
• Is there adequate ventilation and proper sanitation stations?
• Do students have access to professional-grade tools and products?

Outcome Questions:

• What percentage of graduates pass their state licensing exam on the first attempt?
• Do you offer job placement assistance or partnerships with local salons and spas?
• Can I speak with a recent graduate about their experience?

Having these questions ready demonstrates seriousness and helps you extract valuable information rather than passive listening.

Step 4: Observe the Environment During Your Visit

Once on campus, shift from being a visitor to being an observer. Pay attention to the details that arent mentioned in brochures.

Look at the cleanliness of the facility. Are floors dry and free of hair? Are disinfectant bins visible and properly stocked? Are tools stored in sealed containers after sterilization? These are indicators of compliance with state health codes and institutional standards.

Observe student behavior. Are they engaged, focused, and respectful? Do they appear confident or anxious? Are instructors moving between stations, offering real-time feedback, or are they seated at desks? Active, hands-on instruction is essential in beauty education.

Check the salon area. Is it open to the public? Many Empire campuses operate as student salons where real clients receive discounted services. This is a powerful sign of practical training students arent just practicing on mannequins; theyre building real-world experience under supervision.

Notice the atmosphere. Is the space vibrant and welcoming? Are there student artwork, success stories, or before-and-after photos displayed? These elements reflect pride in the program and institutional culture.

Step 5: Speak with Current Students and Instructors

Never skip the opportunity to talk directly with students and instructors. Admissions staff may present the school in its best light, but students and teachers offer unfiltered perspectives.

Ask current students: Whats the most challenging part of the program? Do you feel prepared for the state exam? How supportive are the instructors outside of class?

Ask instructors: How long have you been teaching here? Whats your background in the industry? How do you tailor instruction to different learning styles?

Instructors who have worked in salons, spas, or editorial settings bring real-world relevance to the classroom. Their experience often translates into better preparation for your future career.

Step 6: Request a Demonstration or Mini-Lesson

Ask if you can observe or even participate in a short demonstration. Many campuses will allow you to watch a hair coloring session, a facial treatment, or a nail enhancement application. Some may even let you try a basic technique under supervision such as brushing a clients hair or applying a temporary polish.

This hands-on exposure helps you gauge whether you enjoy the tactile nature of the work. Beauty school isnt theoretical its physical, precise, and often repetitive. If you feel discomfort or disinterest during a demo, its worth reconsidering your path.

Step 7: Review Financial and Enrollment Details

During your tour, request a detailed breakdown of tuition, fees, and payment options. Avoid vague statements like affordable programs. Ask for a written estimate that includes:

• Tuition cost per term
• Cost of the student kit (shears, combs, brushes, products)
• Registration and licensing exam fees
• Cost of uniforms or additional supplies

Ask about financial aid eligibility, scholarships, payment plans, and military benefits. Empire Beauty School participates in federal financial aid programs, and many campuses offer institutional scholarships based on merit or need.

Clarify the refund policy in case you need to withdraw. Understand the attendance policy many states require a minimum number of hours to qualify for licensure, and excessive absences can delay your graduation.

Step 8: Take Notes and Photos (With Permission)

Bring a notebook and pen. Jot down observations, names of people you spoke with, and key quotes. If allowed, take discreet photos of the facility, student work, and signage but never photograph clients or students without consent.

After your visit, organize your notes by campus. Create a simple comparison chart: one row per location, columns for program offerings, tuition, student feedback, and your overall impression. This will help you make an objective decision later.

Step 9: Follow Up Within 48 Hours

Send a personalized thank-you email to your admissions contact. Mention specific things you learned or appreciated Thank you for showing me the advanced skincare lab and introducing me to Instructor Rivera. I was especially impressed by the way students practiced client communication.

Ask for any additional materials: program handbooks, graduate testimonials, or a calendar of upcoming open houses. This keeps you on their radar and shows initiative.

If youre comparing multiple schools, use this follow-up to ask clarifying questions: You mentioned your cosmetology program includes 1,500 hours. Does that include theory, lab, and clinic hours?

Step 10: Make a Decision Based on Evidence, Not Emotion

After touring multiple campuses, return to your notes and comparison chart. Eliminate schools that dont meet your minimum criteria: accreditation, program length, cost, or job placement rates.

Dont choose based on proximity alone. A slightly longer commute to a superior program is often worth the investment. Similarly, avoid choosing the cheapest option low tuition may mean outdated equipment, fewer hours, or limited support.

Trust your instincts, but validate them with data. If one school felt warm and welcoming but had low licensing pass rates, thats a red flag. If another felt sterile but had a 95% pass rate and salon partnerships, it may be the better choice.

Best Practices

Visit Multiple Campuses

Even if one campus seems perfect, tour at least two or three. Comparing environments helps you identify what matters most. One school may have state-of-the-art equipment but rigid scheduling. Another may offer flexible hours but lack industry connections. Side-by-side evaluation reveals hidden trade-offs.

Visit During Peak Hours

Schedule your tour during mid-morning or early afternoon, when classes are in session and the salon is busiest. A quiet campus at 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. doesnt reflect the real rhythm of student life. You want to see energy, activity, and structure.

Bring a Friend or Mentor

Invite someone you trust a parent, teacher, or professional in the beauty industry to accompany you. A second perspective helps you notice things you might overlook. They can also ask questions you didnt think of.

Dress Appropriately

While you dont need to wear a salon uniform, dress neatly and professionally. Avoid overly casual clothing like ripped jeans or flip-flops. Youre representing yourself as a future professional your appearance sets the tone for how youre perceived.

Dont Rush the Process

Choosing a beauty school is not like picking a college course. Its a multi-month commitment that will shape your career. Take your time. If you feel pressured to enroll on the spot, walk away. Reputable schools respect thoughtful decision-making.

Verify Licensing and Accreditation Independently

Dont rely solely on what the school tells you. Visit your states cosmetology licensing board website and search for Empire Beauty Schools license status. Confirm its active and in good standing. Check NACCASs official directory to verify accreditation. These are non-negotiable requirements.

Ask About Continuing Education

Many Empire campuses offer advanced workshops, brand certifications (like Redken or Olaplex), and continuing education for alumni. Ask if these are free or discounted for graduates. Lifelong learning is critical in beauty trends change, techniques evolve, and clients expect expertise.

Understand the Graduation Requirements

Each state has different hour requirements for licensure. For example, California requires 1,600 hours for cosmetology, while Texas requires 1,500. Confirm that the program at your chosen campus meets or exceeds your states minimum. Falling short means youll need to enroll elsewhere a costly mistake.

Ask About Internships and externships

Some campuses partner with local salons, spas, or bridal studios to offer externship opportunities. These are unpaid, supervised placements that give you real client experience before graduation. Ask how many students participate, how placements are assigned, and whether they lead to job offers.

Track Your Emotional Response

After each tour, write down how you felt. Did you feel inspired? Nervous? Excited? Bored? Emotions are data. If you left one campus feeling energized and curious, thats a strong signal. If another left you feeling confused or overwhelmed, note it. Your gut reaction often reflects alignment with your values and learning style.

Tools and Resources

Official Empire Beauty School Website

The primary resource for accurate information is empire.edu. Use it to locate campuses, view program details, download brochures, and request information. The site includes downloadable curriculum guides and virtual tour links for some locations.

State Cosmetology Licensing Boards

Each state regulates beauty education. Visit your states licensing board website to verify school accreditation, check complaint histories, and confirm hour requirements. Examples:

• California: barbercosmo.ca.gov
• Texas: tdlr.texas.gov
• New York: nysed.gov

NACCAS Accreditation Directory

The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences maintains a public directory of accredited schools. Search for Empire Beauty School to confirm its current status: naccas.org

Student Loan Repayment Calculator

If youre considering financial aid, use the U.S. Department of Educations Repayment Estimator to project monthly payments based on your expected loan amount and income. This helps you avoid overborrowing.

Google Maps and Reviews

Search for Empire Beauty School [City] on Google Maps. Read recent reviews especially those from current or former students. Look for patterns: Do multiple people mention poor sanitation? Are instructors praised consistently? Reviews can reveal truths not shared during tours.

YouTube and Social Media

Search YouTube for Empire Beauty School tour or Empire Beauty School student experience. Many students post vlogs of their daily routines, salon work, and exam prep. Follow Empires official Instagram and TikTok accounts to see real-time content from campuses nationwide.

Professional Beauty Associations

Join free student memberships with organizations like the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) or the National Cosmetology Association (NCA). They offer resources, webinars, and networking opportunities that complement your education.

Notepad or Digital Document Template

Create a simple comparison spreadsheet with columns for:

• Location
• Program Offered
• Total Hours
• Tuition + Fees
• Kit Cost
• Graduation Rate
• Job Placement Rate
• Student Feedback
• Your Overall Score (110)

Update this after each tour. It turns subjective impressions into actionable data.

Interview Script Template

Use this script to guide conversations with staff and students:

Hi, Im [Name], and Im considering enrolling in the cosmetology program. Id love to hear about your experience here. Whats something you didnt expect when you started? Whats been the most valuable part of your training so far? Do you feel prepared for your state exam? What advice would you give someone just starting out?

Real Examples

Example 1: Marias Journey in Chicago

Maria, 22, was working retail when she decided to pursue cosmetology. She toured three Empire Beauty School campuses in Illinois. The first campus in Aurora had beautiful facilities but no student salon open to the public. The second, in Oak Lawn, had a busy salon with real clients but outdated tools. The third, in Chicagos Loop, had modern stations, licensed instructors with 15+ years of experience, and a 93% first-time licensing pass rate.

Maria asked to observe a color correction class. She saw an instructor guide a student through lifting bleach from damaged hair a complex technique rarely taught in basic programs. She also spoke with a recent graduate who landed a job at a high-end salon within two weeks of graduation. Maria enrolled that week.

Example 2: Jamess Transition in Atlanta

James, 38, left a corporate job to become a barber. He was skeptical about beauty schools, assuming they focused only on womens hair. He toured Empires Atlanta campus and was surprised to find a dedicated barbering track within the cosmetology program. He asked about mens cuts, fades, and beard grooming and the instructor pulled out a textbook with modules on male clientele.

James noticed the school partnered with a local mens grooming brand for product training. He also met a graduate who now owns his own barbershop. James enrolled, graduated in 10 months, and opened his shop six months later. He credits the programs focus on male clientele as the key differentiator.

Example 3: Lenas Decision in Phoenix

Lena, 19, wanted to become a makeup artist for film and fashion. She toured two campuses. One emphasized salon services hair, nails, skincare. The other, in Tempe, had a dedicated esthetics track with modules on airbrush makeup, special effects, and editorial styling. Lena asked if they had connections to local photo studios. The instructor introduced her to a student who had worked on a music video shoot.

Lena chose Tempe. She completed her esthetics license and took an elective in makeup for media. She now works as a freelance artist for local photographers and plans to apply to film school next year.

Example 4: The Red Flag Overpromising in Dallas

A student visited a campus in Dallas and was told, Youll be working in salons within 30 days of starting. When she asked for proof, the admissions rep couldnt provide graduate testimonials or job placement data. The salon area was empty, and the instructor she met had only been there six months.

She checked the state board website and found the school had received three complaints about incomplete training hours. She walked away. Two months later, the campus closed. Her caution saved her time and money.

FAQs

How long does a typical Empire Beauty School tour last?

Most tours last between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes a facility walkthrough, observation of a class, a meeting with an instructor, and a Q&A session with admissions staff.

Can I tour without committing to enroll?

Yes. Tours are designed to inform, not pressure. Reputable campuses welcome prospective students regardless of enrollment intent. If you feel pressured to sign up immediately, consider that a red flag.

Do I need to bring anything to the tour?

Bring a notebook, pen, and your list of questions. A camera or smartphone is helpful for taking photos (with permission). Wear comfortable shoes youll be walking around the facility.

Are tours available on weekends?

Sometimes, but not always. Most campuses operate Monday through Saturday during business hours. Weekend tours are rare and often limited to admissions staff only. Weekday visits during class hours are more valuable.

What if I cant visit in person?

Some campuses offer virtual tours via Zoom or pre-recorded videos. While helpful, theyre no substitute for an in-person visit. If youre relocating, ask if you can schedule a phone or video call with a current student or graduate.

Is Empire Beauty School accredited?

Yes. Empire Beauty School is accredited by NACCAS, and each campus holds state licensure. Always verify the specific campus youre interested in through your states licensing board.

How much does it cost to tour?

Tours are always free. No school should charge for a visit. If youre asked for a fee, its not a legitimate institution.

Can I bring my child or pet on the tour?

Most campuses prefer you come alone to minimize distractions. Children may disrupt classes, and pets are typically not allowed due to health codes. If you need special accommodations, contact the campus in advance.

What if Im unsure which program to choose?

Many campuses offer career counseling sessions during tours. You can explore multiple programs in one visit. Ask to meet with an advisor who can explain the differences between cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology and how each leads to different career paths.

How soon after the tour should I decide?

Theres no deadline. Take as long as you need. Most programs have multiple start dates throughout the year. Dont rush your future is worth careful consideration.

Conclusion

Touring Empire Beauty School is not a formality its a foundational step in launching a successful, fulfilling career in the beauty industry. The difference between a good school and a great one often lies in the details: the cleanliness of the salon, the passion of the instructors, the transparency of the pricing, and the real-world outcomes of its graduates.

This guide has provided you with a comprehensive, step-by-step framework to turn a simple visit into a powerful evaluation. From researching programs to following up with thank-you notes, every action you take demonstrates your commitment and increases your chances of success.

Remember: The best school for you isnt necessarily the one with the most glitz or the lowest price. Its the one that aligns with your goals, values, and learning style. Trust your observations. Verify the facts. Listen to students. Compare your options. And above all choose with intention.

Beauty is more than aesthetics. Its confidence, creativity, and connection. Your education at Empire Beauty School will equip you to deliver that but only if you choose wisely. Take your time. Do your homework. And when you walk through those doors on your first day, youll know you made the right decision.