How Much Does Beauty School Cost? Free Cosmetology School Tuition & Student Loan Information & Prices

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Are you stylish, artistic and creative? Beauty school, also known as cosmetology school, is a great place to turn those skills into a career.

The first step is choosing a specialty. Do you want to be a hair stylist, esthetician, nail technician, barber or massage therapist? You can choose only one of these programs or pursue several at once. Some schools offered combined programs for a flat fee, and most can be completed in less than a year.

Cost of Beauty School #

Beauty school is a financial investment, but it's far less expensive than attending a traditional four-year university. Unlike traditional colleges, beauty schools rarely advertise prices, and few are willing to give that information over the phone. Most schools ask that you sit down and meet with them to discuss costs.

Tuition for hair-styling programs is usually anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000, depending on the school's reputation and location. Schools in big cities tend to be more expensive. High-end beauty schools can run upwards of $15,000. Well-known Aveda Institutes, with 21 schools across the country, charges $17,000 for a 1,250-hour program, according to Spa & Beauty Education. However, attending a prestigious school can make it easier to find a job at a high-end salon.

Esthetician, nail technician and massage therapy training is far less expensive, averaging $3,000 to $5,000 for a full program. Aveda charges $4,000 for a 300-hour esthetics programs, which include training in skin care, massage and waxing, and $2,600 for a 200-hour nail program.

Some schools include the cost of tools and supplies in the tuition; others charge extra for supplies like hair scissors, smocks and dyes. Be sure to ask what materials are included in the school's tuition.

Choosing a Beauty School #

Start by talking to your own hair stylist. Where did he or she go to school? How was the experience? Or, call around to salons in your area that have a good reputation, and ask the stylists if they mind sharing tips or advice.

Once you've identified a few prospective schools, book appointments at each to tour the facility and get more information. Come prepared with a list of questions. Does the school teach business aspects of the salon business, in addition to creative techniques? What is the schools pass/fail rate for state exams?

Most importantly, go with your gut instinct. Does the school look clean and organized? What kind of background do the instructors have, and do they seem knowledgeable? Cosmetology is an image-conscious field, so the reputation of the school you choose does matter.

Find Beauty School Information #

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