Cosmetology

How to Choose a Beauty School

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Finding the right beauty school can be a daunting task. Many people have a hard time deciding which beauty school to attend because your experience can vary wildly depending on the school you decide on. However, it’s not impossible to find a high-quality beauty school near you. Here are the top considerations for making your decision.

What to Look For in a Beauty School

As with any school, there are many factors that could and should influence your choice to attend. We’ve compiled a list of must-haves to keep an eye out for, but choosing a school is also a highly personal decision, so remember to be thoughtful in your consideration and don’t ignore any gut feelings.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Your ability to succeed as a professional depends on two main factors: your own drive and your education. Thus, it’s important to understand what programs a beauty school offers, and within those, what does the curriculum entail. Whether you choose to pursue a career in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, or nail technology, a well-rounded education that sets you up for success should consist of academic coursework as well as practical training, giving you the chance to apply your knowledge and develop your skills through hands-on experience.

Location and Facilities

Because of the hands-on nature of beauty school and the importance of getting that practical training with real clients, you’ll be completing your education in person. Location matters — how long will the commute be? Is parking available on campus? Are public transportation options available and within walking distance of campus?

Part of your beauty school research should involve an in-person tour, not only to answer the aforementioned questions, but to get a real feel of the buildings, classrooms, work spaces, equipment, and amenities. After all, this is a place you’ll be spending a significant amount of time at once your program starts, so you want to ensure everything is up to date and that you feel comfortable.

While on a tour, you can also take the opportunity to chat with students and faculty about their experiences, giving you more insight to inform your decision.

Cost and Financial Aid

A factor that weighs heavily on many students’ decision to attend beauty school is cost. Many schools offer various forms of financial aid to assist with tuition costs, but this isn’t guaranteed, so it’s important to check with the admissions and financial aid teams at the schools you’re considering. You’ll also want to look out for schools that are fully transparent about tuition and other fees so you’re not caught by surprise after the fact.

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture has an online calculator, developed by the Department of Education, to help you estimate the net price you might pay for your education.

Reputation and Reviews

Your prospective school’s reputation can speak volumes about the experience you can expect to have, so look into things like its graduation and job placement rates and the professional backgrounds of its instructors, as well as first-hand testimonials from past and current students.

You should be easily able to find these students on social media, as they likely follow the school’s pages or have been tagged in its content. And, for current students specifically, you can make it a point to connect during your campus tour, making this step of the research process even more invaluable.

Accreditation

Perhaps one of the most important things to look for in a beauty school is its accreditation. Not every good school is accredited, and not every accredited school is the best option for you, but accreditation does show that the school is reputable and measures up to standards recognized by the United States Department of Education. Plus, accreditation is vital for both financial aid purposes and obtaining your license to work professionally. 

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, as with many other high-quality beauty schools, is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences. You can be assured that Tricoci University maintains consistency across campuses and stays devoted to a high quality of education.

Making the Decision

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when trying to choose the best beauty school for you. You want to be able to confidently choose an institution that delivers a great education and experience, setting you up for success in your career, while also accommodating factors like your commute, your budget, and your schedule. With a range of programs and locations available, as well as financial aid opportunities, flexible schedules, and national accreditation, Tricoci University is here to make your dreams of working in the beauty industry a reality while narrowing down your search for the right school.

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