Reasons to Choose a Cosmetology School Over College

College is becoming increasingly expensive, with student loan debt hitting the $1.75 trillion mark in 2024. Declining state funding, rising administrative costs, and limited supply are among the critical factors contributing to soaring college fees. Fortunately, vocational schools go against the grain by providing career-focused education at affordable tuition costs. If you’re an aspiring nail technician, hairstylist, makeup artist, or beauty professional, joining a cosmetology vocational school can unlock the door to a successful career in the beauty industry.

The difference between cosmetology school and traditional college

Cosmetology schools and conventional colleges offer different pathways for beauty students to pursue their passion and nurture their career aspirations. Specialization is the primary difference between beauty schools and colleges. Cosmetology programs provide practical training in a specific field, such as esthetics, advanced hair styling, barbering, nail care, and more, to help potential students acquire relevant job skills to succeed in the industry. Aside from specialized programs, vocational schools instill students with basic business skills, unlocking a range of career opportunities as entrepreneurs and business owners.

In contrast, degree programs are broader and more theoretical, emphasizing academic coursework. While a college degree might allow students to explore various academic subjects, it might not offer an industry-focused experience provided by cosmetology training programs. Completion time and graduation rates are other critical factors to consider. Full-length beauty courses in cosmetology schools take 1–2 years. In comparison, a college degree requires a student to study for about four years, which translates to higher graduation rates for cosmetology students in beauty schools. Given the high cost of college education, many potential students prefer to join vocational training to avoid contending with student loans.

Top reasons to choose cosmetology school over college

There are several reasons to pursue your career via a beauty school over a traditional college. Cosmetology vocational schools provide top-notch education in your field of study, preparing you to enter the job market. Here are additional reasons to enroll in a cosmetology program:

Gain practical skills and hands-on experience

Whether you want to be a nail tech, makeup artist, or hair salon professional, you must demonstrate practical skills to provide quality services and attract clients. Aside from basic techniques, you will learn to use various tools, handle customers, and run a successful business.

Choose from a wide range of cosmetology programs

Vocational beauty schools have numerous cosmetology courses to help you pursue your true calling. These industry-focused courses allow you to pursue your passion by teaching you the basic fundamentals of your field of study. Accredited cosmetology schools also offer business courses to help students acquire financial management skills.

Exploit flexible learning styles to build confidence

The best part about cosmetology schools is that most provide students with flexible learning styles to help them unlock their creativity. Whether you want to be a hairstylist or spa professional, education classes in beauty schools are in a real-world setting. They offer practical training by qualified cosmetology instructors in a salon or spa setting for real-world experiences, helping you work more efficiently and confidently.

Qualify for federal financial aid opportunities

You can easily qualify for financial aid by joining a vocational institution. Accredited vocational schools are eligible for federal financial assistance, allowing you to enjoy lower tuition fees. In addition, you can apply for grants and scholarships to offset additional costs.

Become a licensed cosmetologist

Beauty practitioners and cosmetologists require a license to practice legally. Licensing demonstrates your competence and ensures customer safety. Most cosmetology training programs include licensing exams, ensuring students don’t have to pursue additional licenses and certifications.

Selecting the right cosmetology vocational school

Given the numerous cosmetology schools countrywide, selecting the perfect school is critical to fast-tracking your beauty industry journey. Potential students should consider several factors when choosing a course to ensure it aligns with their career goals. Here are a few tips on what to look for when searching for a suitable school for cosmetology:

Check whether the school has the proper accreditation.
Inquire about the education courses offered and their completion time.
Compare the costs of the available courses
Ask if they have financial aid, grants, and scholarships.
Inquire about campus locations and course schedules.
Ask if the school offers career placement and their job placement rates.
Check the school’s graduation rates.
Read online reviews from previous students to obtain relevant information.

Ready to invest in your career in cosmetology?

Production Perig – istockphoto.com

Enrolling in a cosmetology vocational school can help awaken your passion and jump-start your beauty industry journey. Evergreen Beauty School offers a wide variety of courses to help you pursue your dream career. Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetology program.

FAQs – Choosing a cosmetology school or college

Is cosmetology a marketable course?

Yes. Cosmetology is one of the most marketable courses in the beauty industry. It combines aspects like hairdressing and beauty vocations, allowing students to specialize in their desired field of study.

How much does it cost to go to a cosmetology vocational school?

The cost of cosmetology education in a vocational school varies depending on the school, duration, and type of course. A full-length beauty program might cost up to $20,000. However, prospective students can apply for grants, scholarships, and financial aid to reduce tuition fees.