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Welcome to Cosmetology School Near Me

Cosmetology School Near Me was created to help aspiring cosmetologists like you find the best cosmetology school in your area. Our state-mapped directory is comprised of almost 2,000 cosmetology schools nationwide! So far, we have reviewed over 700 schools, giving you the information you need to choose the cosmetology school that’s right for you. Of the 713 cosmetology schools we have reviewed so far, we show you the following information for each school:

  • Program Length – How long the school’s cosmetology program is, either in hours, weeks, or months.
  • Program Cost – How much the school charges for tuition, books, and other related expenses.
  • Median Loan Debt – How much financial aid is available for you to take advantage of at the school.
  • Graduation Rate – How many cosmetology students graduated on time the previous year.
  • Placement Rate – How many of those graduates have secured employment in the field of cosmetology.

In addition to the information above, we also show you which schools have been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).

To begin researching cosmetology schools near you, choose your state in the menu above. To learn more about how to answer the question “How do I find the best cosmetology school near me?” read our in-depth article below.

We are constantly reviewing more cosmetology schools and adding them to our directory, so check back often!

Are you currently a cosmetology student, or did you attend a cosmetology school in the past? If so, please find your school and leave an honest review. If you are unable to leave a review, please contact us with your review and we will add it for you.

How do I Find the Best Cosmetology School Near Me?

The career growth rate for hairdressers in the United States between 2012 and 2022 is expected to be 13 percent. This is above the national average of 11 percent for all other job fields. While you often hear about the job growth rates for careers in technology or healthcare being high, many people do not fully realize the growth and demand for professionals in the exciting field of cosmetology. If you have decided to look further into becoming a cosmetologist, you are likely asking yourself, “How do I find the best cosmetology school near me?”.

Within the United States, there are approximately 1,569 accredited beauty schools with an average program length of 13 months. This gives you a large selection of schools to choose from. Options can be a very good thing, however, too many options can be a bit daunting. You may be wondering, with so many schools to choose from, how do I find the best cosmetology school near me?

The answer to that question will depend on several personal factors and will be different for each future cosmetologist. Selecting the right cosmetology school is important as it can affect the rest of your career and the amount of money you will make, not to mention, you will be spending many hours there over the course of the program.

It is also important to note that the best cosmetology school near you, may not be the best cosmetology school for your friend, your sister, or anyone else you know. The best cosmetology school will meet your individual needs and be a place where you feel most comfortable learning and growing.

What Does a Cosmetologist Do?

A cosmetologist, sometimes also referred to as a beautician, performs services and treatments on hair, skin, and nails. They help people look and feel their best. Some cosmetologists can also apply makeup. Many cosmetologists will specialize in one area, such as hair, while others may take clients for all different types of services.

What Will I Learn in Cosmetology School?

  • Chemistry
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Color theory
  • Management and customer service
  • Safety procedures
[/su_list]You will also learn how to professionally cut, style, color, and perm hair as well as various services and techniques for nails and skin such as pedicures and manicures.

What Factors Should I Take Into Consideration When Choosing a School?

There are several factors you should take into consideration when deciding which cosmetology school you will attend. We’ve listed them below in order of importance.

Accreditation

One of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing a quality cosmetology school is accreditation. Accredited schools must meet strict academic and institutional requirements set forth by the accreditation agency.

When it comes to cosmetology schools, there’s one accrediting agency that stands out from all the rest, and that is the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Since it’s inception in 1969, the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences is the single accreditation agency that has the authority, granted by the United States Department of Education, to provide cosmetology schools with accreditation in the beauty industry.

Cosmetology School Near Me

TheNACCAS will scrutinize each of the following areas of a school to make sure they meet the accreditation agency’s strict standards for academic excellence:

  • Staff
  • Methods of evaluation
  • Curriculum
  • Administrative services
  • Policy and procedures for admission
  • Courses and Programs
  • Facilities and instructional space
An accredited school of cosmetology has a high set of standards that are designed to give you the best chances of success during your education and beyond. Schools go through a strict re-evaluation period at least once every six years. If they are found lacking for their accreditation, they are only given a certain amount of time to fix the issue(s).

Graduating from an NACCAS accredited school can definitely add value to your resume. In fact, many employers will only hire cosmetologists who have graduated from an NACCAS accredited school. Today, the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences serves more than 120,000 students across the nation.

Location

Because only a few cosmetology schools provide on-campus housing for their students, the location of the school is probably the second most important factor to consider when choosing a cosmetology school.

If you decide that the only way to obtain quality cosmetology training is to relocate to a different area or even a different state, then you’ll want to make sure your new place of residence is located in a safe neighborhood, preferably within minutes from the cosmetology school you’ll be attending.

Do your research to ensure that the school is also located in a safe neighborhood. Find out what the crime rate is in the area. Many cosmetology schools are required by law to disclose the local crime rates and sexual assault rates from the previous year. It’s always a good idea to take walks near the school at different times of day and take note of what you observe. Of course, it goes without saying, but you should never walk alone unless you know for sure that the area is safe.

Cosmetology School Near Me

If your student kit comes with one of these, it might be time to look for another school.

Your personal safety should always be near the top of your list of priorities as you attend school day in and day out. If you feel the school is located in a questionable neighborhood, you should ask the staff if there is a security presence on location before making your final decision to attend.

If you have decided to stay in your current area to go to school, consider your commute. If at all possible, you will want a quick and easy commute. This will give you more time and energy to focus on your cosmetology studies. Plus, the less money you spend on gas, the more money you’ll have to put towards school expenses and daily living expenses.

You may also want to think about where you see yourself living and working after you graduate from school. It is often easier to obtain licensure and start your career in the same state where you graduated from school. If you plan on relocating to a new state after you graduate, you may want to consider an early move and attend school in that location. Of course, this all depends on how much you’re willing to spend on moving and living expenses before and during your time in cosmetology school.

Tuition Cost

While we all want to go to the school of our dreams, we have to live within our budget. The average tuition for a beauty school program in the U.S. is just under $14,000 with most schools costing between $2,625 and $24,650 respectively.

Along with considering what you can afford, you will also want to remember that in many cases you get exactly what you pay for when it comes to education. There’s a reason why Aveda Institute and Empire Beauty Schools can charge more for tuition than the local community college. Selecting the school with the cheapest tuition is not always going to be the best choice for you.

While you do not want to go broke or find yourself in enormous debt to obtain your cosmetology education and training, remember that the cost is an investment into your future. Next to purchasing a house, your education is the second most important investment you’ll make in your lifetime.

You will also want to check with schools you are considering to see if they offer any scholarships, other forms of financial aid, help applying for grants, or any payment plans. If the school accept
s t
he Pell Grant, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to go to school free of charge. Plus, you’ll be free of any tuition debt when you graduate.

Hands-On and Real World Training Experiences

When checking out schools for your cosmetology education, be sure to ask about if they integrate real world training and hands-on experiences into their curriculum. Classroom education and theory are both very important, but applying what you learn to real-life situations before you graduate is priceless.

Most quality schools will partner with local beauty shops or even have their own salon on-site to give you the experience you need before you enter the job field.

Flexible Scheduling

Depending on your life circumstances, it may be important for you to find a school that offers weekend and evening courses. Many cosmetology students find themselves needing to work or take care of family obligations while going to school. While juggling school with a job or parenting can be a challenge, with the right school and the right schedule it is far from impossible.

You may also want to ask if part-time attendance is allowed. Many cosmetology schools offer both a full-time curriculum and a part-time curriculum for the same tuition amount.

School Reputation

You should also consider the overall reputation of a school prior to making a commitment to attend classes there. Talk to local cosmetologists to find out what kind of a reputation the school has within the community. Is it one that comes recommended by those already in the field or have they seen poor work come out of their graduates?

Make sure you ask the school what their graduation rate is, as well as their job placement rate. While no school can guarantee you a job in the cosmetology field right out of school, the higher a school’s job placement rate is, the more likely you’ll be able to secure employment in your chosen field soon after graduating.

Be That Annoying Little Kid

You know that annoying little kid that asks like a thousand questions about everything? That should be you when you’re looking at a school.

Cosmetology School Near Me

If the school recruiter does this, then you’re asking the right amount of questions.

Below is a list of questions you should have written down and ready to fire at the school recruiter during your consultation:

  • Can I tour the school during class hours? Can I sit in and observe a class to see what it’s like?
  • Can I interview one of the students who is already in the cosmetology course at the school?
  • Do most of the students graduate with school debt or do they graduate debt-free?
  • What other costs will I be responsible for other than tuition? For instance, books, a laptop computer, beauty supplies, or beauty school attire.
  • How much industry experience do the instructors have? Do they stay up-to-date with continuing education?
  • Do you update the curriculum regularly in order to stay current with industry trends? When was the last time the curriculum was updated?
  • What are the teaching styles of the instructors?
  • Are the classes small? Do the teachers allow some time for one-on-one instruction? What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
  • How are the facilities? Are they modern? Are the classrooms, restrooms, and break room clean and well-equipped?
  • Does the school have newer, up-to-date equipment to train on?
  • Are the learning materials and multimedia presentations digital and state-of-the-art or old and outdated?
  • To what extent will the school go to help me prepare for and pass the NIC exams?
  • Will the school help me find a job in my chosen career field? If so, how do they go about doing this? Will they help me create a dynamic resume?
  • What is the previous year’s graduation rate?
  • What is the previous year’s job placement rate?
  • Do you have the local crime rate statistics on file?
Never be afraid to ask too many questions. Remember, it’s better to feel like a fool before you give your money to the school than after. It’s your money and time that you’ll be investing at the school and that gives you every right to know exactly what you’re getting into as a paying customer.

If the school refuses to answer all or most of these questions before they take your money, you should immediately hear alarm bells ringing in your head. Loud, annoying, piercing alarm bells.

If the school refuses to answer any of these questions… RUN!… as far away from that school as you can! Oh, and don’t forget to warn the other students waiting in the lobby on your way out.

What is the Average Cost of All the Cosmetology Schools Near Me?

Tuition and fees can vary widely from one school to the next. What you pay will depend on the location of your school. The general rule of thumb is this. Cosmetology schools located in a metropolitan area cost more than cosmetology schools located in a rural area.

We have created the table below in order to give you a general idea of what you might pay for tuition at local cosmetology schools in your state, as well as other important information, like average student debt, graduation rates, and the average length of cosmetology programs.

Cosmetologist School Statistics

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StateCosmetology SchoolsNACCAS AccreditedLowest Tuition CostHighest Tuition CostAvg Tuition CostAvg Graduation RateAvg Job Placement RateAvg Loan DebtAvg Program Length
Alabama$9,511$21,475$16,51947%80%$10,67649 wks
Alaska$4,900$9,875$6,488N/AN/AN/AN/A
Arizona$15,347$17,805$16,76841.5%69%$12,48963 wks
Arkansas$6,701$18,390$13,92034%76%$8,14747 wks
California$9,600$25,475$17,49741%75%$9,11850 wks
Colorado$8,100$20,394$16,18463%73%$10,92261 wks
Connecticut$16,550$20,750$18,32847%85%$12,10948 wks
Delaware$16,500$16,500$16,50064%96%$6,49655 wks
District of Columbia$18,500$18,500$18,50061%67%$5,50052 wks
Florida$7,145$21,475$14,41953%72%$8,86445 wks
Georgia$7,000$21,995$17,92555%75%$12,40952 wks
Hawaii$13,237$19,057$16,14735%81%$9,06351 wks
Idaho$12,000$19,100$15,06456%79%$12,27161 wks
Illinois$5,970$19,982$16,68150%73%$10,78950 wks
Indiana$5,310$18,250$14,78654%80%$10,09649 wks
Iowa$13,005$21,150$17,82650%82%$13,85162 wks
Kansas$13,100$18,900$15,58738%74%$9,29848 wks
Kentucky$10,400$17,255$15,69044%80%$11,65157 wks
Louisiana$7,125$21,475$14,60440%70%$8,30851 wks
Maine$12,600$16,090$15,16223%82%$8,91948 wks
Maryland$14,600$23,240$17,16654%79%$10,46151 wks
Massachusetts$9,341$15,384$12,98561%75%$7,32739 wks
Michigan$7,400$19,900$14,65748%73%$8,67751 wks
Minnesota$10,525$18,600$15,47250%81%$12,53449 wks
Mississippi$9,100$21,475$14,70958%72%$7,97248 wks
Missouri$9,600$26,134$14,34743%74%$9,65249 wks
Montana$9,600$17,200$12,46065%87%$5,15860 wks
Nebraska$17,700$21,000$18,96726%82%$11,69159 wks
Nevada$15,293$21,301$18,79350%66%$12,23553 wks
New Hampshire$16,200$20,545$17,58747%78%$11,35849 wks
New Jersey$12,600$18,951$15,64146%79%$8,44841 wks
New Mexico$12,000$17,353$15,44663%75%$8,57348 wks
New York$7,300$16,995$12,70835%79%$7,16934 wks
North Carolina$7,200$21,995$16,98442%78%$12,00148 wks
North Dakota$13,000$17,895$15,13044%80%$11,89254 wks
Ohio$8,800$21,700$16,66644%66%$10,38361 wks
Oklahoma$7,700$34,942$14,23560%88%$6,84851 wks
Oregon$10,810$20,700$14,26656%74%$13,39159 wks
Pennsylvania$12,150$22,875$15,86052%76%$9,52145 wks
Rhode Island$13,450$17,350$15,61344%73%$9,51055 wks
South Carolina$12,800$21,475$18,41853%79%$11,42950 wks
South Dakota$9,332$14,385$11,97269%89%$11,56060 wks
Tennessee$8,400$21,475$15,89046%73%$9,72751 wks
Texas$8,625$21,700$15,23553%73%$7,80048 wks
Utah$10,650$18,550$14,41146%75%$9,73054 wks
Vermont$15,750$15,750$15,75053%68%$15,30050 wks
Virginia$9,500$21,475$16,87946%70%$11,05448 wks
Washington$10,912$17,100$14,71952%68%$9,51952 wks
West Virginia$10,320$16,478$13,76956%85%$8,83753 wks
Wisconsin$12,000$20,000$16,05145%81%$11,81051 wks
Wyoming$16,200$22,330$19,26564%83%$7,28064 wks
StateCosmetology SchoolsNACCAS AccreditedLowest Tuition CostHighest Tuition CostAverage Tuition CostAvg Graduation RateAvg Job Placement RateAvg Loan DebtAvg Program Length
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