Do I Need to Graduate From High School to Attend Cosmetology School?

Entering a cosmetology program can be an exciting and creative career path. There are criteria every would-be student must meet before enrolling. Many cosmetologist programs prefer and require a high school diploma or equivalent before enrolling in a cosmetology program.

The first step to entering the beauty industry as a licensed cosmetologist is ensuring you meet the admission requirements of the accredited beauty school you’re applying to. Typically, you must be 18 years old, but this rule can vary in each state, and you must be a high school graduate or have obtained your GED.

How to enroll in a cosmetology program

Virtually all vocational schools have minimum admission requirements. It’s important that you tour your school of choice to get a sense of the school’s cosmetology training and the educational hours to see if the school education is compatible with your goals.

Visiting a campus allows students to speak with cosmetology students about their experience. Our staff at Evergreen are happy to help schedule a tour to see any of our seven campuses based in Washington State. Our campuses include: 

• Bellingham campus
• Mount Vernon campus
• Everett campus
• North Seattle Shoreline campus
• Renton campus
• Olympia campus
• Yakima campus

 

Beauty school training requirements at Evergreen

At Evergreen Beauty College, the minimum age requirement for enrollment is 17, with proof of age needed during the application process. Students must complete specific hour requirements depending on their program to meet school graduation and state licensing requirements.

Once training is complete, students independently sign up for the licensing exam. Evergreen’s training covers various beauty topics designed to cultivate a passion for beauty while helping students meet all graduation requirements and pursue a rewarding career path in the beauty industry.

What is the pay scale of a cosmetologist?

The pay scale for a cosmetologist in Washington State can vary based on experience, location, and the specific salon or spa. On average, entry-level cosmetologists earn between $30,000 and $40,000 annually.

After building a loyal client base and consistently scheduling appointments, top earners in popular, high-end salons can potentially earn $60,000 annually.

Many hair stylists, nail techs, and barbers get paid hourly, plus they may receive additional commissions. The hourly rate for cosmetologists can range from $22.00 per hour to $28.00 per hour.

The pay scale for a cosmetologist was collected in September 2024 from various reputable sources, including Salary.com and Indeed.com, and the rates are subject to change as time goes on and can be influenced by demand, economy, and experience.

About Evergreen Beauty College’s cosmetology program

Evergreen Beauty College offers a 1,600-hour program that is segmented into three phases.

In the first level of training, Evergreen Beauty College’s Cosmetology Program introduces students to essential skills for a successful career in beauty, covering topics like health, safety, sanitation, and scientific theory to understand the biology of hair, skin, and nails.

Students learn haircutting, color, and chemical processing techniques while focusing on professional ethics, personal development, effective communication, and human relations to build strong client relationships and thrive in the industry.

In the second and final stages, students master various techniques, including consulting with guests and offering advanced beauty techniques, like working with different hair textures, administering skin care treatments, hair coloring, and hair styling, all while working with school students and real clients.

Before students graduate, they will have developed a portfolio and resume and put in a set number of training hours, getting hands-on experience. Evergreen helps soon-to-be-licensed beauty professionals prepare for their licensing exam and locate career opportunities after graduation.

By the end of our beauty school program, students will know how to execute techniques backward and forward. Learn more about our esthetics and cosmetology program. You can also take our brief quiz to see if cosmetology is right for you. 

FAQ: Do I need to graduate from high school to attend cosmetology school?

Do you need a high school diploma for cosmetology school in Washington State?

Yes, you usually need a high school diploma. It is very common for beauty schools in Washington State to require a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for enrollment, whether you are taking esthetics, barbering, nail technology, or cosmetology courses. 

How long does it take to become a cosmetologist in Washington State?

In Washington State, most accredited beauty schools require 1,600 hours of training before you can obtain a cosmetology license. Most beauty professionals who have a thriving career in cosmetology have a license. Many salons and spas require proof of licensing during the application process.

How long are most cosmetology schools?

While traditional four-year universities take four years or more to complete before graduation, beauty school education typically takes between nine to 18 months to complete, depending on whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time. All aspiring beauty school students should check with the school to ensure they can graduate within their preferred timeline before enrolling at a post-secondary beauty college.