How much does beauty school cost?
Tuition is an important factor for most people choosing a cosmetology school. And just like anything else in life, the cheapest is not always the best value. You want to know you’re getting a quality education for your money that includes books, cosmetology kits and supplies.
Does it fit into my life?
Maybe you need to work and attend beauty school at the same time. Or maybe you have family commitments that consume part of your day. Some cosmetology schools offer part-time classes to give you flexibility and accommodate work/life/school balance. If you’re considering a part-time program, make sure you’re committed to your education and have made time in your life to attend school and put in your training hours along with everything else you plan to do.
What is the attendance policy? Can I make up any hours I miss?
Showing up and putting in the time required of you is very important. That’s because all states have a certain number of hours required to earn a cosmetology degree and take the state licensing exam. It’s important to maintain good attendance in order to complete your program on time, and avoid paying extra tuition to make up missed hours. When researching schools, make sure to ask questions about attendance policies and whether or not the school allows students to make up missed hours.
Is the curriculum broad-based?
Learn more about the wide range of topics covered at Regency
cosmetology schools.
A comprehensive cosmetology teaches students the fundamentals of hair, skin, and nails. Having that broad-based curriculum can open the door for a wider range of career possibilities. Look for a comprehensive beauty school program that gives you complete head-to-toe training so you will be viewed as a well-rounded job candidate after graduation. Even if you decide to specialize after you graduate, having a comprehensive education in hair, skin, nails, and makeup can come in handy for a variety of reasons.
Are the programs current?
A beauty school should keep pace with the ever-changing trends and advances in all areas of cosmetology. The basics are important but so are the latest techniques, tools and products. Make sure the school you select requires that their educators receive continuing education so they can share the very latest advances in cosmetology with you.
Regency’s program includes a business building component,
which gives you a chance to dip your toe in the waters of the
day-to-day business of salons.
Is business building part of the program?
Developing business skills is key to becoming a successful cosmetologist. You’ll need to know how to set goals, make critical decisions, attract and retain clients, and develop many other business skills. Make sure the school you select has a robust business curriculum so you’ll stand out as a job candidate after graduation.
Is the school accredited?
Not all cosmetology schools are accredited. This is important because the accreditation process dictated by the U.S. Department of Education requires a school to uphold high educational standards. Also, only accredited schools are able to offer federal financial aid to those who qualify.
What's the school's reputation?
Graduating from a school with a well-known reputation can give you advantages in the long run. Potential employers who know the reputation of the beauty school you graduated from can make a more informed hiring decision. A school with a positive reputation on a national scale can impresses potential employers, as well as open doors for you if you relocate to another part of the country later in life. Make sure the school you select is known for their educational credentials and standards.
What are the facilities like?
Learning in beautiful, high quality facilities will inspire you and make you excited about coming to school every day. Look for clean, up-to-date salons and classrooms that help keep you motivated. Also having access to a salon-like setting in your school brings a lot of benefits. Part of your hands-on training will involve working with paying clients – having a beautiful environment can help them feel comfortable, relaxed, and pampered.
What help is available to get licensed?
Getting licensed as a cosmetologist isn’t as easy as it sounds. To help you succeed, select cosmetology schools that offer prep classes with special “mock exams” and test preparation for state licensing exams.
Salon Fairs let students demonstrate their skills and network
with local salons.
Are there strong ties to the local salon community?
It’s one thing to do well in cosmetology school. But you’ll also want built-in connections to the salon community. Look for schools that have partnerships with local salons to give you real-world experience and exposure to professionals looking for talent.
Do you feel welcome?
A beauty school should be an inviting place for you to learn and develop your professional skills. Be sure to tour the facility before you enroll to get a feel for the environment. Or stop in for a service so you can chat with a student about their experience and observe the way things work.
Is the vibe exciting?
Cosmetology school should be nothing like a stuffy traditional classroom setting. Part of the reason many people decide on a cosmetology career is their desire to work in an exciting high-energy environment. Look for an inspiring, well-equipped salon-like environment that reflects your dream beautifully.
Will you be valued and encouraged?
Just because it’s beauty school doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be structure and principles. A cosmetology school with stated guiding principles and values ensures a positive, fun and educational experience for everyone.
Is financial aid available?
Is financial aid is available to those who qualify? Beauty schools that are accredited can offer federal funding to students who meet federal requirements for financial aid. Choose a beauty school that provides support discovering your financial aid options.
Personalized attention and support
How will you learn?
Beauty school requires a lot of hands-on instruction and that’s best accomplished in smaller-sized groups. Look for a cosmetology school with small class sizes so you’ll get individualized attention and get plenty of hands-on experience with the tools and techniques you need to flourish.
Who are the educators?
Your beauty school teachers will have had a big influence on you. Your educators should be knowledgeable and experienced, and just as committed to your success as you.
Will you get personalized attention?
Sometimes everyone needs a little nudge or just someone to listen. A cosmetology school with a dedicated student support team who can help you track your progress can help make your experience even better.
How will you find your dream job?
It takes a lot of hard work to launch a successful cosmetology career. It helps to have the right education and support from your beauty school. Look for a cosmetology school that can help with job placement assistance and that works to form partnerships with the local salon community.