How to decide on the right Cosmetology School?

Know before you enroll! So, you have finally done it, you have decided you want to go to Cosmetology School! Now it is time to start the search. Picking a Cosmetology school can be a bit overwhelming if you do not know what aspects are most important or what questions to ask. Remember you are now choosing the school that will help you build your future, so let’s take a look at a few topics that are the most important factors when deciding on your school of choice!

Experienced and dedicated Instructors. Finding a school that has experienced instructors is key. These instructors will build the foundation for your cosmetology journey. Without these key players, a school will consistently struggle to meet the needs of its students. A team of dedicated instructors will have the knowledge and passion to make their lessons come to life and to help nurture the future cosmetologist that you aspire to be. It’s a good idea to ask about the instructor’s experience, remember you are interviewing the school as well.

Accreditation. This is one of the most important factors when comparing schools. Choosing a school that is accredited takes away a lot of worry. You can be assured that the school you are attending will meet all the necessary requirements to give you the curriculum and course material that will allow you to pass your state board exams. These schools are held to a higher standard, and they are consistently monitored to make sure they are following their accrediting agency’s guidelines. And did you know, only accredited schools are allowed to receive Federal Financial Aid!

Cost and Financial Aid. If you are like most people, cost will play a big part in your decision. Whether you are just graduating from high school or have a family, we are all on some sort of budget. Schools will likely vary in price depending on what courses they offer and what’s included in the cost. Most people are shocked when they hear the price of Cosmetology school, but let’s not forget everything you are learning (Hair, Skin, Nails and Makeup). You will be licensed to do them all. The sky is the limit with your future cosmetology license. So, while it may seem out of reach at first, do not let the cost scare you away until you have spoken to a Financial Aid Officer. If you have chosen an accredited school, they will have Federal Financial Aid options in which you may qualify. Financial Aid assists students with paying for school and gives so many opportunities to those who otherwise might not be able to pursue their dreams. Also, know what you are paying for- What is included in the advertised price? What additional costs are needed? All these costs are important to know upfront so there will be no surprises later.

Alumni Network. Once you graduate from cosmetology school, you will be considered an alumnus of that school. You will now be a part of an incredible group of graduates that have successfully completed cosmetology school and who are thriving in their field. Attending a school with a long history of graduates makes all the difference. Having this sort of network of successful graduates helps you grow in your career. We are happy to say our alumni are in constant communications with us, whether it is stopping in to teach a class or employing our newly licensed students. Make sure your school of choice has a strong network of alumni!

Owners. This might not seem all that important. Typically, you will never see the owners and may never even meet them if you are looking at a corporate school. It is good to know who runs your school. If it is a corporate school you are looking at, try to find out what their principles are and if they are student focused. Locally owned and operated schools are a completely different environment. You will see the owners and they will know your name. They will have a personal interest in your success because your success is their success.

Past and Present Students. If you know people that have attended the schools you are researching, do not hesitate to ask about their experiences. Chances are they will be ready and willing to spill whether it was a good or bad experience. (Pay attention to the key points we have been discussing.) And don’t forget to ask your hairdresser.

During your visit to the school, take a look at the students. Do they look happy? Are they interactive and learning? You may be in their shoes very soon, so make sure you ask all the questions you might have. Now is the time!

Products. It’s important to understand what products the school uses. Many schools only train on one brand because the product line is affiliated with their school. However, knowing more product lines will make you more marketable when you graduate.

Outcomes. Make sure you ask about graduation, placement, licensure, and default rates. This is how schools are measured for excellence by our industry. Our rates are consistently some of the best in the region and have been for a very long time.

New Schools. It is very difficult to open a new school in this industry because of the high start-up costs and difficulty in getting accredited. Many of the new schools can’t make it for these reasons. You need to be aware that if they are not successful, other schools may not accept your hours if you are forced to transfer. It’s also very difficult to evaluate a new school that has no history regarding all of the factors mentioned previously. You don’t want to take a chance on something as important as your education!

Now that you have a little more info on what’s important and what questions to ask, we hope this will help in your search for the right cosmetology school for you. Don’t forget to give us a call or fill out the form and someone will be in touch so we can discuss everything we have to offer.