One thing about people who go into esthetics is that they all share a certain creative ethos. It’s more than just a job, it’s a lifestyle. And because the training you need is all part of the life you’re building for yourself, you’re not shooting for second best. You’re interested in living your dream, not just punching a clock. And since you’re going to be bringing your personal best to the work you do every day, you want the best training program you can find.
You’re not alone, and that’s why there aren’t many takers for esthetics programs that aren’t at the top of the heap. This is your career after all, so you really can’t compromise when it comes to getting quality hands-on training and an education that covers everything from the science of skincare to practical business skills. You want to walk out of school with not only the qualifications you need to get a license to practice, but also the things you need to be effective and successful in that practice:
- Deep knowledge of chemistry and skincare physiology
- Training on the most up-to-date techniques and equipment
- Business savvy to make sure you can pay the bills as well as practice your craft
What all this means is that you’ll be putting some time and effort into picking the best possible school – and that’s exactly what brought you to this list.
We’re here to make that choice a little easier by giving you our top picks for the best esthetics programs in every state in the U.S.
Why Accreditation Matters For Esthetics Programs
We only looked at schools that have been accredited by the NACCAS (National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences) or those that have submitted applications and been cleared for candidate status. NACCAS is an acronym you definitely want to look for as you consider different esthetics programs. This accreditation agency is among the few independent, U.S. Department of Education-approved organizations that evaluate beauty schools in the United States.
Unlike our website, though, NACCAS doesn’t evaluate schools so they can pick winners. Instead, they simply look at the essential elements the beauty industry expects of today’s new graduates so they can verify the curriculum teaches those skills competently and honestly. Even beyond curriculum, a comprehensive review from the NACCAS covers things like:
- Professionalism and administrative resources
- Faculty and instructor qualification standards
- Operating procedures and formal standards for grading and graduation
Put together, NACCAS accreditation amounts to having all the basics in place to teach esthetics properly.
There are more than 600 esthetics programs offered through NACCAS-accredited and candidate schools, so it was just the first filter in the vetting process to give us a starting point for our evaluations.
Beyond Just Accreditation – The Elements that Go Into Esthetics Programs We Feel Confident Calling the Very Best
So how did we pick the very best from that massive list of NACCAS-accredited schools? Well, we dug deep and looked at what else those schools had to offer, giving the most weight to the things we know mean the most to students of esthiology. Only programs that hit the top end for a variety of qualifiers made the cut here.
Product Partnerships With Top Vendors
If you want to learn how to provide esthetics services, then you need to understand the materials you have to work with. That means getting familiar with the product lines on the market… and not all are created equal.
Schools that have forged partnerships with high-end vendors like Dermologica, Aveda, and MUD Makeup put the best products on the market in your hands, and also come with the training you need to understand the science behind them and how to use them properly. It also says a lot about the quality of a beauty school when one of the big names in the business puts their reputation on the line by forming a partnership like this. You can be sure we gave serious consideration to any school out there that has established relationships with top product lines.
High End Facilities That Help You Shine
No one wants to learn their esthetics skills in the back of a bodega. Your surroundings should reflect the standards that you and the school hold yourself to, and that means clean, well-lit spaces with plenty of room to study and practice, access to all the right tools for the job, and the kind of decor that inspires. Beautiful surroundings helps to attract customers and allows your creativity to flourish, and the best schools offer some of the best spaces for you to shine.
Pivot Point International Member Schools Teach High End Spa Services
Beauty schools that offer the Pivot Point curriculum are set up to deliver a master class in the kind of luxury services that clients who frequent high-end salons and spas demand. These schools are the ones that go beyond the status quo, offering an extra layer of richness to the educational experience. They are decidedly unique, both in terms of the student experience they offer and the philosophy behind their approach to esthiology. As a result, these schools piqued our curiosity enough to get a second look in our evaluation process.
Business Skills To Offer Independence and Grounding
At the end of the day, your career in esthetics needs to be able to support you and your family, so we won’t gloss over the importance of getting the kind of skills you need to make sure your business is profitable. In a largely independent and creative field, understanding the elements that go into building and maintaining a healthy and sustainable business are critical. Schools that go beyond the business basics to integrate critical skills in marketing, customer relations, and bookkeeping into their curriculum got high marks in our evaluation.
CIDESCO Certification Goes The Extra Mile
Some schools offer the opportunity to earn your CIDESCO certification while you complete your esthetics program and satisfy the qualifications for your state license. This is a highly respected credential that can elevate your reputation on day one. The Comite International d’Esthetique et de Cosmetologie teaches in-demand treatments the European way, giving you the edge that comes with having a certain Continental sensibility in your approach to esthetics. That edge is something we know many students of esthiology are looking for, so when we saw a program offering CIDESCO Certification it definitely caught our attention.
High-tech Training Takes Advantage Of New Developments
High-tech isn’t just going into phone upgrades these days; technology is completely changing skin care and treatment, from scientific diagnostic tests to advanced laser therapies. In an industry that is changing quickly with the introduction of these tools, you want a school that’s going to instruct you in the latest and greatest in the state-of-the-art technology being used in today’s salons and medi-spas.
A Little Something Extra Can Mean a Lot
An esthetics program isn’t required, or even expected, to provide training beyond what state boards require for licensing. But the best schools don’t stop their curriculum development after checking the boxes for state licensing requirements. These schools look at what the industry demands and incorporate it into the learning experience. In some cases this means offering more training hours than the state board requires. In others it might mean advanced training in makeup and beatification to cover things like lash extensions and airbrush makeup. Some even offer advanced training at the high tech end of the business, covering things like ultrasonic microcurrent systems, or offering additional certification in laser treatment. Whatever the case might be, when we found a program that went above and beyond state licensing requirements, we couldn’t help but take another look.
Graduation and Job Placement Rates
Most schools have gotten wise to the benefits of offering the kind of training and curriculum we can all recognize as offering the best preparation for students starting a career in esthetics, but that doesn’t mean they’ve all mastered it.
If ever we felt a final tiebreaker was necessary, we went with the ultimate indicator that a program could deliver on its promises: graduation and job placement rates. At the end of the day, how many enrollees actually complete a program, and how many of those go on to find gainful employment, is the ultimate test of how the esthetics market judges the quality of a school.
Although not all schools are required to publish this information, any program that graduates more than 10 students per year does make the data readily available. Though we didn’t use it to disqualify any school outright, when the info was there to verify, we always reviewed it, and in some cases these numbers were the difference between a program making the cut or getting passed over.
Top Picks for the Best Esthetics Programs in Each State
Here you’ll find our top picks for the best esthetics programs, all organized by state. In most cases there’s just one per state, though we were glad to include more when we identified multiple options we felt were worthy of our list.
With hard work and the right training you’ll join the ranks of the licensed estheticians out there making the world a little bit more beautiful everyday. These programs will give you the training you need to get there.
This list features programs that our editorial staff hand selected to present as top recommendations. We believe the many aspects of a program that come together to create an exceptional student experience can’t be reduced to numbers alone, so no formula was used to attempt to score or rank these programs. Instead, they represent our top picks based on a thoughtful review of the things we know mean the most to students. Each one of these programs offers something unique, and all come equally highly recommended. We stand behind the principal of editorial integrity and make these recommendations independently and without compensation.
Arizona
Chandler, Arizona
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $11,468
Kit and Supplies Cost: $400
Total Cost: $11,868
- Accelerated program can be completed in just six months
- Outstanding focus on using only the highest quality, organic skincare products
- Students are taught to make their own organic formulations
The G Skin & Beauty Institute means business – the business of esthetics, that is. Choose this dynamic program and you’ll go from student to graduate in just six months. But don’t mistake this accelerated course for a lackluster program. Instead, this esthetics program features everything you need for success on the state licensure exam and in the real world. With more than 30 years of experience educating tomorrow’s beauty professionals, you can rest assured knowing that G Skin & Beauty will provide you with everything you need for success. We also love this program’s commitment to using only the highest quality products, which includes only organic products. Students here are taught to create their own organic formulations using essential oils and aromatherapy. In fact, many of the students at G Skin & Beauty have gone on to create their own product lines!
Prescott, Arizona
Website
Program Length: 800 hours
Tuition: $12,850
Kit and Supplies Cost: $0
Total Cost: $12,850
(NACCAS candidate school)
- Program boasts a job placement rate of 90% among recent grads
- Low, student-to-faculty ratio ensures a personalized learning experience
With a job placement of 90% among recent graduates, Rogers Academy of Beauty immediately stands out as a leader in beauty education in Arizona. Add to that a low, student-to-faculty ratio for a superbly personalized learning experience, dedicated and experienced instructors, and five start dates per year, and it’s easy to see why the Rogers Academy of Beauty is among our top picks for a well-rounded, comprehensive esthetics education.
Arkansas
Springdale/Rogers/Siloam Springs/Fort Smith/Fayetteville, Arkansas
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $6,600
Kit & Books: $2,005
Reg, Barcode and Permit Fees: $195
Total Cost: $8,800
- Provides a dynamic learning experience complete with extensive business training
- Day and evening classes and multiple campuses provide the best in convenience and flexibility
Aesthetics training at the Career Academy of Hair Design is solid, trusted, and proven. With a curriculum that’s inspired by the teaching methods and learning research developed by Harvard University Professor Howard Gardner, aesthetics students here enjoy a rich, dynamic learning environment that comes complete with special projects, role playing, and a variety of other learning activities. But it’s not all about skincare here; in fact, the Career Academy focuses on the business side of the skincare field, providing students with an extensive business course that’s designed to ensure your success in the real world. Other perks of this top-notch program include modern facilities, state-of-the-art classrooms, and day and evening classes and multiple campuses for added convenience.
California
Redondo Beach, California
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $5,400
Kit and Supplies Cost: $950
Total Cost: $6,350
- Program boasts a 93% placement rate among 2017 graduates
- Superb location just one mile from the Redondo Beach beaches
The Redondo Beach Beauty College has everything you’re looking for in a dynamic, exciting and effective esthetics program, including an affordable tuition rate, a fantastic location just a mile from Redondo Beach’s beautiful shoreline, and an attractive facility that features modern classrooms and state-of-the-art equipment and technologies. Add to that a job placement rate of 93% in 2017 and it’s easy to see what Redondo Beach Beauty College has enjoyed a reputation as a leader in beauty education since 1992.
Torrance, California
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $7,100
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,333
Total Cost: $8,433
- Program boasts a 95% placement rate among 2017 grads
- Small classrooms ensure a personalized learning experience
- Fantastic job and licensing support
If you’re looking for an esthetics program that has only the most impressive statistics to back it up, look no further than Victory Career College, which boasts a 95% placement rate among its 2017 graduates. But that’s not the only thing to brag about here; students of Victory’s esthetics program enjoy only the most experienced instructors who oversee small classrooms to ensure the best in personalized learning. Students here also have access to both job and licensing assistance, a hands-on curriculum, and hands-on learning with only the most modern technologies and processes in the skincare field.
Valencia, California
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,475
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,151
Total Cost: $9,626
- Named ‘Best Cosmetology School’ for five years running by the Los Angeles Daily News Reader Choice Magazine
- Program boasts a licensure exam pass rate of 97% and a placement rate of 89%
Accolades are nothing new for Flair Beauty College, which has been named the ‘Best Cosmetology School’ for five years running by the Los Angeles Daily News Reader Choice Magazine. And it’s no wonder…their esthetics program boasts a licensure exam pass rate of 97% and a placement rate of 89%, thanks to a rich, dynamic curriculum that includes everything you need for success on the state licensure exam and in the real world. We love this program’s many partnerships with top-notch beauty lines including Dermalogica, MAC, and OPI Nails. Since 1966, Flair Beauty College (formerly called Valencia Beauty College) has been producing leaders in the field of esthetics.
Colorado
Westminster, Colorado
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,940
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,692
Registration Fee: $150
Total Cost: $10,782
- Comprehensive curriculum includes extensive business training that helps ensure success in the real world
- Partnered with L’Oréal, the #1 global beauty brand
- Elevate Salon Institutes are the only schools in the world recognized by L’Oréal Professionnel for excellence in education
Montage Academy is proud to announce that it has come under new ownership, taking on the illustrious Elevate Salon Institute name and the reputation that comes with being part of the only beauty school chain recognized by L’Oréal, the world’s number one beauty brand. What hasn’t changed are all the things that made Montage a favorite among Colorado beauty schools, including the beautiful, modern facility and well-equipped salon area, a curriculum that features everything you need to ace the state licensure exam, and the business training you need to be successful as you transition to your career. With a positive, professional and inclusive culture fostered by a caring and creative team, at ESI you can expect an exceptional student experience and a supportive environment where your talents are allowed to shine.
Parker, Colorado
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,500
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,944
Total Cost: $10,444
- Program boasts a 100% licensure exam pass rate
- Rich, dynamic curriculum features lectures, demonstrations, guest speakers, field trips, and superb hands-on learning experiences
The Stacey James Institute’s esthetics program comes with a top-notch curriculum that’s sure to impress. This dynamic course of study features a variety of learning tools, including lectures, demonstrations, guest speakers, and field trips. You’ll enjoy a curriculum rich in hands-on learning while you study under only the most experienced and dedicated instructors. With a superb curriculum like this, it’s no wonder that the esthetics program here boasts a licensure exam pass rate of 100% and job placement rate of 88%.
Connecticut
Seymour, Connecticut
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,450
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,500
Total Cost: $9,950
- Dermalogica partner school
- Comprehensive curriculum includes study in nutrition, product ingredients, skin anatomy and physiology, and business skills and career planning
As a Dermalogica partner school, you know you’re getting only the highest quality education through the Oxford Academy of Hair Design’s esthetics program. Their hands-on curriculum covers everything you’d expect in a top-notch esthetics program, including facial and body massage techniques, skin analysis, body wrapping, hair removal, and makeup artistry. Plus, you’ll also learn about nutrition, product ingredients, skin anatomy and physiology, all while getting the business skills and career planning you need to turn your knowledge of esthetics into a good income. In short, the Oxford Academy ensures you are equipped for success as a changemaker and innovator in the esthetics industry.
Delaware
Dagsboro, Delaware
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $9,000
Kit and Supplies Cost: $2,500
Total Cost: $11,500
- Program boasts a 91% placement rate
- The Only Pivot Point member school in Delaware
- Business and communications-focused Prosper U module incorporated into the program curriculum
A 91% placement rate among its most recent graduating class is just the beginning of what the Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology esthetics program has to offer. The comprehensive curriculum ensures you’re well-equipped for success on the state licensure exam, while the accelerated design allows you to go from student to graduate in just five months. Best of all, the Delaware Learning Institute is a Pivot Point Member School (the only one in Delaware) and has incorporated a Prosper U module into the program to provide you with valuable business and career preparation. Choose the esthetics program here and you’ll enjoy exciting, hands-on learning in the school’s 13,000-square-foot facility, which includes a seven-bed student spa.
Florida
Miami/Hialeah, Florida
Website
Program Length: 300 hours
Tuition: $8,901
Kit and Supplies Cost: $646
Total Cost: $9,547
- Program boasts a 100% graduation rate
- Program taught mainly in Spanish
Student success is the name of the game through the Nouvelle Institute’s esthetics program, which is only one of a few schools in the nation to boast a 100% graduation rate among its esthetics students. Taught mainly in Spanish, this top-notch program is part of a trusted beauty school that has been producing tomorrow’s beauty leaders since 1993. As a student here, you’ll enjoy beautiful facilities that feature modern labs, state-of-the-art classrooms, and a spa area for the finest in hands-on learning.
Georgia
Dalton, Georgia
Website
Program Length: 1,000 hours
Tuition: $13,680
Kit and Supplies Cost: $4,820
Total Cost: $18,500
- Students enjoy monthly field trips to the International Dermal Institute in Atlanta for classes on the latest trends in esthetics treatments and equipment
- Superb curriculum includes job placement assistance, career development classes and superb hands-on learning through classroom workstations
Day or evening classes…monthly field trips to the International Dermal Institute in Atlanta for classes on the latest trends in esthetics treatments and equipment…dedicated and experienced instructors…and options for continuing education/certification in areas like chemical peels, lasers, microdermabrasion, and makeup– all of this is part of the esthetics program at the Dalton Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology, our top pick for excellence in esthetics education in Georgia. Other perks of this program include job placement assistance, career development classes and superb, hands-on learning through classroom workstations.
Idaho
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $7,100
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,500
Total Cost: $8,600
- Small, boutique school ensures a personalized learning environment
- Program can be completed on a part- or full-time basis
The Austin Kade Academy’s esthetics program is about as comprehensive as it gets, providing aspiring skincare professionals like you with everything you need for success, both on the state licensure exam and in the real world. We love this program’s excellent business education…part- and full-time learning options… skilled and reputable industry instructors who bring outstanding real-world experience to the classroom…and its small, close-knit learning environment.
Garden City, Idaho
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $7,100
Kit and Supplies Cost: $2,370
Total Cost: $9,470
- Program is home to a beautiful, brand-new, 21,000-square-foot facility that boasts a cosmopolitan décor, a full retail center, and a dedicated esthetics salon area
- Comprehensive curriculum includes resume development and job search skills, and state licensure exam prep
- Program boasts a 90% placement rate among its most recent grads
The Oliver Finley Academy of Cosmetology esthetics program is one of Idaho’s best, boasting a 90% placement rate and the addition of a lash extension course in 2019. We also love this school’s beautiful, brand-new, 21,000-square-foot facility that boasts a cosmopolitan décor, a full retail center, and a dedicate esthetics salon area. In just 18 weeks, you can go from student to graduate through Oliver Finley’s esthetics program, which comes complete with theory and practice in areas like aromatherapy, face and body massage, medical terminology, resume development and job search skills, state licensure exam prep, medical terminology, and more!
Illinois
Bridgeview/Chicago (NE, NW)/Danville/Elgin/Glendale Heights/Libertyville/Normal/Peoria/Rockford/Urbana, Illinois
Website
Program Length: 750 hours
Tuition: $13,184
Kit and Supplies Cost: $2,220
Total Cost: $15,404
- Top-notch, cutting-edge curriculum
- Every student provided with their own iPad
- 11 campuses throughout Illinois ensure the best in flexibility and convenience
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is an Illinois staple, thanks to no less than 11 campuses here. The success of this school’s esthetics program is built on its robust, comprehensive curriculum and its fantastic program design that include both part- and full-time options and night classes for the best in convenience and flexibility. We also love this school’s commitment to exposing its students to only the most cutting-edge equipment, facilities and technologies. An iPad, which is part of every student kit, allows students to access a variety of exciting learning tools.
Downers Grove, Illinois
Website
Program Length: 750 hours
Tuition: $15,450
Kit and Supplies Cost: $450
Total Cost: $15,900
- Program boasts a 98% graduation rate among its most recent grads
- Comprehensive curriculum includes an option to become a certified laser technician
The Universal Spa Training Academy has been a leader in beauty education in the Chicagoland area for years, graduating more than 1,000 students since it opened its doors in 2006. Its esthetics program builds on this school’s history of excellence in beauty education, providing students here with a comprehensive course of study that comes complete with the option to become certified in performing laser treatments. Complete your esthetics education here and you’ll enjoy studying in the school’s beautiful, 12,000-square-foot facility and learning under its team of experienced instructors.
Indiana
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Website
Program Length: 900 hours
Tuition: $10,637
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,998
Total Cost: $12,635
- Program boasts a 100% graduation rate for its most recent graduating class
- Comprehensive curriculum features an additional 200 hours of study makeup, physiology, advanced machines, skincare, sales, marketing, and retail
We love Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture because it features an esthetics program that goes above and beyond what’s required to take the state licensure exam and work as a licensed esthetician. While just 700 hours of esthetics education is required to earn an esthetics license in Indiana, the Rudae’s School esthetics program is 900 hours in length, providing aspiring skincare experts like you with additional training in makeup, physiology, advanced machines, skincare, sales, marketing, and retail. This means that you’ll not only be prepared to work as an esthetician in Indiana, you’ll have the education and training to become an innovator, changemaker, and leader.
Schererville, Indiana
Website
Program Length: 900 hours
Tuition: $13,200
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,600
Total Cost: $14,800
- Program boasts a 100% licensure rate
- Outstanding job placement assistance for life
With a 100% licensure rate among its most recent esthetics grads, the Don Roberts School of Hair Design promotes excellence and stands out as a leader in beauty education in Indiana. In addition to a superb curriculum that ensures success on the state licensing exam, we love the esthetics program here because it comes with fantastic job placement assistance that’s supported by the school’s strong relationships with many salons and spas throughout Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. Many times, Don Roberts is also able to help students find jobs during enrollment, so that they may begin gaining valuable, hands-on salon experience as receptionists, assistants, shampooers, and more. All enrolled students and graduates of Don Roberts enjoy free job placement assistance for life!
Iowa
Iowa campuses: Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines (Johnston), Fort Dodge, Iowa City
Nebraska campus: Fremont
Website
Program Length: 750 hours
Tuition: $10,590
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,124
Total Cost: $11,714
- Six campuses throughout Iowa and one in Nebraska ensure the best in flexibility and convenience
- Program has been producing the next generation of skincare professionals for more than 50 years
- Home to the ‘Best Facial of the Century’
With no less than six campus locations throughout Iowa and one in Fremont Nebraska, La’ James International College is an institution in the Hawkeye State and beyond. For more than 50 years La’ James has developed a reputation for excellence, providing students with everything they need to succeed through their four-cornerstone goal of enrolling, educating, graduating, and finally, placing graduates in jobs they love. We can’t help but be impressed by the immersive approach La’ James takes to preparing students to become skilled estheticians, providing a true spa atmosphere designed to both teach and inspire. Choose La’ James for your esthetics program and you’ll be part of a school known for the ‘Best Facial of the Century!’
Kansas
Manhattan, Kansas
Website
Program Length: 1,000 hours
Tuition: $13,500
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,411
Total Cost: $14,911
- One of the most awarded beauty schools in the nation
- CIDESCO-certificate school
- A blend of both European and American skincare techniques and technologies ensures your success on an international scale
- Options to customize your education through advanced esthetics courses
A blend of European and American skincare techniques and technologies is just the start of what Bellus Academy has to offer aspiring skincare specialists like you. Thanks to an innovative curriculum that includes some of the most popular European techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy success on the international stage. In addition to its core esthetician program that’ll prepare you for state licensure, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your education by choosing advanced courses in makeup artistry and nail technology. As a student of Bellus, you’ll learn from award-winning educators who serve as coaches and mentors. You’ll also have access to a mock state board test that’ll prepare you for success on the state licensure exam. Bellus Academy doesn’t just talk a good game—in fact, it’s one of the most awarded beauty schools in the nation, earning titles like “#1 Job Placement in the Nation” by Modern Salonin 2014… “Best Continental Academy – North America Region” by Intercoiffure Mondial in 2015…and “Excellence in Education Winner” from 2010 to 2014 by Modern Salon.
Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Website
Program Length: 900 hours
Tuition: $12,100
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,640
Total Cost: $13,740
- Additional esthetics certifications available to customize your curriculum
- Superb educational facility includes modern classrooms and well-equipped clinic areas
D’Jay’s Institute of Cosmetology and Esthiology is anything but ordinary. This top-notch school comes in strong with a comprehensive esthetics curriculum designed to prepare you for state licensure and entry into the field, but it also offers additional esthetics certifications designed to let you customize your repertoire of specialized skills and take your career to the next level. Just some of your options for advanced certifications in esthetics include MAC Makeup, Dermaplaning, Dermafiling, airbrush makeup, and eyelash extensions. As a student of D’Jay’s, you’ll also train in an advanced, spacious educational facility that features everything from modern classrooms to well-equipped clinic areas that provide the setting for the hands-on training you’ll need to hone your craft.
Massachusetts
Medford, Massachusetts
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $7,970
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,480
Total Cost: $9,450
- Offers a wide variety of advanced esthetics courses to customize your education
- Elizabeth Grady’s 40+-year history includes being credited fortransforming esthetics into its own licensed profession
- 96-100% licensure rate among graduates since 2014
The Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics and Massage Therapy understands that in the esthetics industry, the innovators and changemakers are those with advanced training in the newest technologies, techniques, and products. This is why in addition to being a comprehensive course of study and training designed to prepare you for state licensure and to enter the workplace, the Elizabeth Grady School esthetics program offers a number of advanced courses in areas like spa therapy, essential oil therapy, advanced waxing techniques, microdermabrasion, bridal makeup, and much, much more. Since the Elizabeth Grady School opened its doors more than 40 years ago, it’s been a gamechanger for the esthetics profession in Massachusetts and beyond. In fact, it was credited for separating the practice of esthetics from cosmetology and transforming it into its own specialization requiring separate licensure. Today, the Elizabeth Grady School remains a leader in esthetics education in Massachusetts, boasting a 100% licensure rate among graduates in 2014 and 2015 and a 96% licensure rate in 2016 and 2017.
Michigan
Royal Oak, Michigan
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $9,485
Kit and Supplies Cost: $2,015
Total Cost: $11,500
- Global partners include LOREAL and MUD Makeup
- Curriculum includes outstanding course of makeup artistry with MUD Makeup
The Elevate Salon Institute is able to provide its students with the best of the best in esthetics education, in part because of its excellent partnerships with both LOREAL, the top global beauty brand in the world, and MUD Makeup, which has produced some of the top makeup artists in the world. In fact, the MUD Beauty Essentials course is part of the esthetics program here, providing students with a superb course of education on everything from makeup theory to highlighting and shadowing to corrective makeup to natural makeup. Choose the esthetics program here and you’ll enjoy top-notch training using state-of-the art equipment and techniques. You’ll also receive additional training in business and communications and expert guidance as you make the transition from the classroom to the real world.
Minnesota
Rochester/Mankato, Minnesota
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,550
Kit and Supplies Cost: $3,250
Total Cost: $11,800
- Outstanding record of student success: 100% licensure and 100% placement rate
- Locally owned beauty school offers the finest in real-life, hands-on training
Unlike corporations that are often focused on just the bottom line, Nova Academy of Cosmetology offers its students the finest in real-world, hands-on training with a level of individual attention that only a locally owned school can offer. But that doesn’t mean your esthiology education here is any less innovative and dynamic than programs offered through national chains. In fact, their esthiology program, offered in both Rochester and Mankato, has been producing successful estheticians since 2005, thanks to its comprehensive curriculum complemented with guest speakers and plenty of hands-on instruction. It’s no wonder that this school’s most recent graduates boasted a 100% licensure and 100% placement rate.
Mississippi
Clinton, Mississippi
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $6,700
Kit and Supplies Cost: $900
Total Cost: $7,600
- Program boasts a 100% completion rate, 100% licensure rate, and 80% placement rate over the past two years
- Comprehensive curriculum includes advanced training (and certification) in chemical peels and microdermabrasion
The numbers don’t lie, so the Mississippi Institute of Aesthetics Nails & Cosmetology naturally rises to the top for its esthetics program. Over the last couple of years, this program has boasted a 100% completion rate, 100% licensure rate, and an 80% placement rate, making it a sure bet if you’re looking for a proven program to get your esthetics career off the ground. In addition to providing you with the curriculum you’ll need to pass the state licensure exam, the Institute offers advanced training for all students that leads to certifications in microdermabrasion and chemical peels, so you’ll graduate with everything you need to succeed in the field of esthetics– and even more!
Missouri
Marshfield, Missouri
Website
Program Length: 750 hours
Tuition: $9,110
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,000
Total Cost: $10,110
- Outstanding personalized learning experience includes the use of MindTap, a web-based learning platform that’s designed to guide you throughout your esthetics training
- Diverse curriculum features students competitions, guest speakers, field trips, and more
- Program boasts a 93% licensure and 93% job placement rate among its most recent graduates
There are few schools that can compete with Beyond the Basics School of Cosmetology when it comes to producing a personalized learning experience. Through MindTap, a web-based learning platform, you’ll be guided throughout your esthetics education as you improve your ability to analyze, improve your thinking, and better measure your skills and outcomes. You’ll also be immersed in a truly diverse curriculum that features student competitions, guest speakers, field trips, outstanding hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities to practice with state-of-the-art technology. The dynamic esthetics program at Beyond the Basics also comes with a proven track record of student success; the school’s most recent graduates boasted a 93% licensure rate and 93% placement rate upon graduation.
Jefferson City, Missouri
Website
Program Length: 1,125 hours
Tuition: $11,400
Kit and Supplies Cost: $0
Total Cost: $11,400
- CIDESCO-certificate school; includes the opportunity to earn a CIDESCO program, the world’s most distinguished qualification in the field of esthetics
- Pivot Point Member School
- 100% licensure rate among the school’s most recent esthetics graduates
Thanks to its recognition as a CIDESCO certificate school, the Merrell University of Beauty Arts & Science is the pinnacle of esthetics education. In fact, once you complete the esthetics program at Merrell, you’ll need to complete just 75 more hours to earn a CIDESCO diploma, the world’s most distinguished qualification in the field of esthetics. But that’s not all; Merrell is also a Pivot Point Member School, which means that the esthetics curriculum here is designed to prepare you for success in high-end salon and spa settings. This internationally acclaimed curriculum, available only at select beauty schools throughout the country, is combined with Merrell’s proven educational method, which includes a three-step approach: Learn It (lectures and visual aids), Watch It (live demonstrations), and Do It (full-service on mannequins and real clients). It’s no wonder Merrell’s most recent graduates enjoyed a 100% licensure rate.
St Louis, Missouri
Website
Program Length: 900 hours
Tuition: $12,065
Kit and Supplies Cost: $925
Total Cost: $12,990
- Dynamic program was developed through a partnership with both SkinCeuticals and Epionce
- Graduates of the esthetics program are certified by SkinCeuticals, Epionce, Rx Systems, and Glo Mineral Makeup
- Outstanding instruction from the area’s top esthetics instructors, most of whom have training and experience in advanced esthetics and medical esthetics
The SKIN Institute doesn’t just offer a fine esthetics program; it also comes with national recognition for graduates through certification by SkinCeuticals, Epionce, Rx Systems, and Glo Mineral Makeup—four of the most recognized organizations in skincare technology. Complete the esthetics program at the SKIN Institute and you’ll automatically receive certification from these esteemed companies. As a student of the SKIN Institute, you’ll enjoy small class sizes for the best in individual training and attention while you learn under the area’s top esthetics instructors, most of whom have training and experience in advanced esthetics and medical esthetics. This dynamic program features an advanced educational system that was developed through a partnership with both SkinCeuticals and Epionce and is designed to offer education and training in both classical and modern European skincare treatments.
Montana
Kalispell, Montana
Website
Program Length: 650 hours
Tuition: $8,500
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,275
Total Cost: $9,775
- Program boasts a 92% placement rate and 100% licensure rate among the school’s recent graduates
- Outstanding partnerships with some of the most innovative companies in the industry, including Creative Cosmetics, Young Nails, and China Glaze
Since 1958, Crevier’s Academy of Cosmetology Arts has been producing the next generation of beauty innovators in Montana. Today this excellence continues, providing budding estheticians like you with a program that features the comprehensive curriculum you’ll need for state licensure and for success in the workplace. This proven program boasts a 92% job placement rate and a 100% licensure rate among the school’s most recent grads! We love Crevier’s for their time-honored curriculum, which blends theory and practical learning, but it’s their partnerships with some of the leading product lines like Creative Cosmetics, Young Nails, and China Glaze that make this program rise to the top. Choose Crevier’s for your esthetics program and you’ll learn about the latest techniques and technologies while using some of the most innovative products in the industry. Plus, you’ll learn in the school’s beautiful, 6,000-square-foot facility, which features separate classrooms, clinic rooms, and a well-stocked library with all the latest books and videos.
Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,495
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,625
Total Cost: $10,120
- Program boasts a 94% job placement rate among graduates
- Outstanding history of excellence in esthetics education—Capitol was the first school in the Midwest to teach esthetics
- Small class sizes ensure an individualized learning experience for every student
The Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics is not a corporation – it’s a family-owned and operated business that takes pride in its high standards, outstanding hands-on learning, and superb 94% placement rate among graduates. The Capitol School has long been a leader in the beauty industry; in fact, it was the first school in the Midwest to teach esthetics. Today, the school builds on this history of excellence in esthetics education by providing students here with the finest in personalized learning, thanks to the fact that they enroll no more than 16 new students per start date. It’s also the only esthetics school in Nebraska to have three, full-time esthetics instructors on staff. Capitol’s dynamic esthetics curriculum is decidedly based in a practical approach to learning (more than 75% of the curriculum is practical learning), providing students here with outstanding opportunities to work with clients in one of the school’s private treatment rooms.
Nevada
Reno, Nevada
Website
Program Length: 900 hours
Tuition: $13,540
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,950
Total Cost: $15,490
- 92% graduation rate, 100% licensure rate among recent grads
- Outstanding advanced curriculum includes training in areas like microdermabrasion, professional products, airbrush makeup, deep exfoliation, and chemical peels
We love the International Academy of Style because their aesthetician program is about more than just meeting the requirements necessary for licensure; it’s about providing aspiring skincare experts like you with the education and training you need to become a leader and changemaker in your field. With this in mind, the aesthetician curriculum here features advanced education in microdermabrasion, professional products, airbrush makeup, deep exfoliation, and chemical peels. The Academy’s commitment to the highest standards is also evident throughout its modern campus, which comes complete with upscale dining areas, a top-notch computer lab, and well-equipped classrooms.
New Hampshire
Keene, New Hampshire
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $10,500
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,500
Total Cost: $12,000
- As a Dermalogica Partnership School, the program includes curriculum designed by the International Dermal Institute, the world’s leading skincare education provider
- Keene Beauty Academy has been producing successful skincare specialists for more than 15 years
- 9,000 square foot school includes 5 large classrooms and the dedicated Esthetics Spa
You’ll enjoy a front row seat to the latest innovations in skincare through the Keene Beauty Academy esthetics program, thanks largely to the fact that Keene is a Dermalogica Partnership School. This unique partnership means Keene students use the world-class curriculum designed by the International Dermal Institute (IDI), the world’s leading skincare education provider. As a student here, you’ll be supplied with all the skincare products you need from the renowned Dermalogica and Skin Script lines. In your fee time, you you can even access the Skin Script 101 Product Knowledge interactive program to learn more. As a Keene student, you’ll be part of a program with a proven track record of success. In fact, Keene has been producing successful skincare specialists for more than 15 years!
New Jersey
Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,300
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,949
Total Cost: $10,249
- Program boasts a 100% licensure pass rate among 2017 graduates
- Esthetics partners include Dermalogica and Paint Cosmetics
- Program includes Shore’s Shear Success Business Fundamentals curriculum, which is designed to teach business techniques related to networking, marketing, client management, and more
Among beauty schools with a lot to offer, Shore Beauty School simply can’t be beat. In addition to a comprehensive curriculum that’ll prepare you for your state licensure exam, their skincare program includes the Shore’s Shear Success Business Fundamentals curriculum, which is designed to teach business techniques related to networking, marketing, client management, and more, so you’ll be prepared to serve your clients as a skincare expert, all while managing the business side of your esthetics practice like an expert. Innovative techniques, technologies, and products are the name of the game here, and partnerships with Dermalogica and Paint Cosmetics ensure your hands-on experiences are top-notch. You’ll enjoy practicing with clients in the school’s dedicated skincare classroom, which includes private skincare treatment rooms and the latest skincare technology and equipment, while your skills will reach new levels thanks to visits from beauty professionals and product experts and field trips to the International Dermal Institute, where you’ll learn about the latest techniques in skin and body treatments. Is it any wonder that Shore boasts a 100% licensure pass rate?
South Plainfield/Ewing, New Jersey
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $9,848
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,800
Total Cost: $11,648
- Superb curriculum designed by Prosper U includes the Drivers of Success business program
- Innovative skincare techniques and practices offered as part of the curriculum by the Dermalogica Institute NYC, the MUD Make-Up Designory NYC, and the GlyMed Plus Institute of Skin Science
- Program includes Bio-Therapeutic Technology kits for all students
Innovate Salon Academy’s esthetics program packs an impressive punch, thanks to a Prosper U curriculum that’s complemented with the latest innovations in skincare from the Dermalogica Institute NYC, the MUD Make-Up Designory NYC, and the GlyMed Plus Institute of Skin Science. And to ensure that your education comes equipped with everything you need for success in the skincare business, the Prosper U curriculum features their innovative Drivers of Success business program. Choose Innovate Salon Academy for your esthetician education and you’ll not only receive an education that’ll prepare you for state licensure, you’ll enjoy advanced certification in microdermabrasion and lactic peels and glycolic peels and enzyme through the GlyMed Plus Institute of Skin Science. Advanced courses in MUD airbrush and bridal makeup and E’Lan Eyelash Extensions are also available. Students of this program learn with Bio-Therapeutic Technology kits and are introduced to the techniques and methods for performing Bio Photas Celluma Light Therapy.
New York
Latham, New York
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,500
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,000
Total Cost: $9,500
- Program boasts a 97% graduation rate among its most recent grads
- CIDESCO Certificate School includes the opportunity for students to earn the international CIDESCO Certificate
We knew that a beauty school as decorated as the Aesthetic Science Institute must offer a truly impressive esthetician education – and we were right. For the last 14 years, the Institute has established itself as a leader in the beauty industry, and its recent awards, which have included best beauty school for six years in a row, have reflected this reputation. There’s plenty more to offer here for the licensed esthetician, including advanced courses in dermaplaning, LED light therapy, eyelash extensions, microdermabrasion, and more. This CIDESCO Certificate School also features the opportunity for students to earn the international CIDESCO Certificate, the world’s most distinguished qualification in the field of esthetics.
New York, New York
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,700
Kit and Supplies Cost: $900
Total Cost: $9,600
- Fantastic selection of esthetics programs to suit every schedule
- Founder Annette Hanson is an international skincare expert, published author, and was instrumental in the development of the 600-hour curriculum for the NY esthetics license
Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics is our top pick for the best accelerated esthetician program in New York. It’s Fast Track day program is designed to take you from student to graduate in just 16 weeks. Atelier Esthetique’s offerings in esthetics education don’t end there, though, with additional options including their Morning-Day program (all classes held weekdays, from 9AM-2PM), Part-Time Evening program (classes held weekdays from 6PM-9:45PM), and Weekday program (classes held Saturday and Sundays from 9AM-5:00PM). If you’re looking for an esthetics education built on excellence, look no further than Atelier Esthetique. Founder Annette Hanson is an international skincare expert, published author, and was instrumental in the development of the 600-hour curriculum for the NY esthetics license.
North Carolina
Greenville, North Carolina
Website
Program Length: 700 hours
Tuition: $8,850
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,141
Total Cost: $9,991
- Program boasts a 100% job placement rate and 100% licensure rate
- Recognized for its facilities, technology, and school culture by Modern Salon Media
- Outstanding student-to-teacher ratio of just 9:1
The Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Design has managed to do what so few schools can: offer it all. Their esthetics program is proven, boasting a 100% job placement and 100% licensure rate. It’s also nationally acclaimed, earning recognition fromModern Salon Mediafor its facilities, technology, and school culture. And it’s personal here too, offering students an intimate and individual learning experience, thanks to a student-to-teacher ratio of just 9:1. The esthetics curriculum here is truly comprehensive, offering not just education and training in skincare theory and practice, but also training in business skills like social media marketing, networking, retailing, and client retention, so you’ll be perfectly poised for success in the real world.
North Dakota
Grand Forks/Fargo, North Dakota
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,000
Kit and Supplies Cost: $770
Total Cost: $8,770
- Outstanding opportunity to showcase your makeup work through Josef’s Annual Fashion Awards
- Exciting opportunities for advanced education experiences throughout the year
Whether it’s at the Grand Forks campus or the new Fargo campus, Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body takes the top spot for the coolest experience in esthetics education: Josef’s Annual Fashion Awards, a student competition fashion runway show. This exciting event, which is gaining international recognition, is the highlight for esthetician students looking to showcase their work in makeup. As a student of Josef’s, you’ll also have the opportunity to work with professional photographers to memorialize your work for your professional portfolio and enter it in the school’s Photographic Awards. Another perk of choosing Josef’s for your esthetician program includes advanced education opportunities throughout the year that are led by local industry leaders and national educators.
Ohio
Alliance/Boardman/Niles/Brunswick/North Dayton/South Dayton, Ohio
Website
Program Length: 750 hours
Tuition: $10,600
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,850
Total Cost: $12,450
- Family-owned business features small classes, flexible schedules, experienced instructors, and six locations for the best in convenience
- Comprehensive curriculum features training and education in salon management and spa training
Choose a convenient location and book a tour of Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture, where you can get up close and personal with their exciting esthetics program. Tours of the program include meeting the instructors, touring the facilities, meeting students, and talking with admissions about the nuts and bolts of becoming a student here. For more than 50 years, Raphael’s has been providing a top-notch esthetics education through an intimate, family-owned environment. As a student here, you’ll enjoy a variety of perks, including small class sizes, flexible schedules, experienced instructors, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes salon management training and the finest in spa training. Partnerships with Glo-Mineral and Bio-Element have created fantastic student kits for the best in hands-on learning.
Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $5,505
Kit and Supplies Cost: $950
Total Cost: $6,455
- Pivot Point curriculum includes the Pivot Point International curriculum
Looking for excellence in esthetics education? Then Broken Arrow should be on your short list. For more than 32 years, Broken Arrow Beauty College has been a Pivot Point partner, which ensures you get the most innovative and contemporary education available, all designed to translate into success in the esthetics industry. The Pivot Point International curriculum produces skincare professionals who have the skills necessary to make a difference in high-end salons and spas. Since 1962, Pivot Point International has earned a reputation for developing one of the most trusted curricula in the wellness and beauty industry.
Oregon
Bend/Corvallis/Grants Pass/Medford/Salem, Oregon
Website
Program Length: 500 hours
Tuition: $5,200
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,590
Total Cost: $6,790
- Leading curriculum supported by Dermalogica, a top-notch professional product line that’s used by skincare experts around the world
- Pivot Point Legacy Member School
Phagans’ Cosmetology Colleges, with campuses located throughout Oregon, features an esthetician program that comes complete with two of the biggest names in beauty education: Dermalogica and Pivot Point. Through its partnership with Dermalogica, Phagans’ is able to blend training with a top-notch professional product line that’s used by skincare experts around the world. But that’s not all; Phagans’ is also a Pivot Point Legacy Member School, which means it features an internationally recognized curriculum that’s built around superb, hands-on learning experiences and business skills training. We also love Phagans’ for its community outreach efforts. As a student here you’ll engage in a variety of programs and activities designed to give back to the community while also strengthening your skills.
Portland, Oregon
Website
Program Length: 250 hours
Tuition: $4,669
Kit and Supplies Cost: $2,280
Total Cost: $6,949
- 100% placement rate among recent grads
- Curriculum includes the Pivot Point Salon Success Program for the best in communication and business skills training
- Competency-based program allows you to advance through the program as you master different skills
No guesswork needed here: The Beau Monde Academy of Cosmetology’s esthetics program is nothing short of exceptional, boasting a 100% placement rate and the Pivot Point Salon Success Program, which features the best in communication and business skills training, so you’ll become not just a qualified and trusted esthetician, but also a savvy business professional. You’ll also love this school’s competency-based curriculum model that allows you to advance through the esthetics program after you demonstrate mastery of a skill. This means that you can complete your esthetics education and training in as few as 8-10 weeks! And that’s not all; Beau Monde has experienced career services professionals waiting to help you land a career in esthetics as soon as you earn state licensure.
Bend, Oregon
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $9,424
Kit and Supplies Cost: $718
Total Cost: $10,143
- Program boasts a 100% graduation rate and a 100% licensure rate
- Advanced courses available in cosmetic injectables, microneedling, lash extensions, and more
When a program like Premier Aesthetics Institute’s esthetician program boasts a 100% graduation rate and 100% licensure rate among its recent graduates, it’s time to sit up and take notice. Sure, this program will qualify you for state licensure and for a position in the exciting esthetics industry, but its comprehensive curriculum provides you with everything you need to become an esthetics innovator and changemaker in the industry. And to add to your skillset, the Institute also offers advanced courses in areas like cosmetic injectables, microneedling, lash extensions, and more!
Pennsylvania
Altoona, Pennsylvania
Website
Program Length: 450 hours
Tuition: $4,726
Kit and Supplies Cost: $638
Total Cost: $5,364
- Program boasts a 100% licensure rate among recent grads
- Comprehensive curriculum is complemented with online learning through e-books and virtual lessons and is regularly updated by the school’s beauty school coaches
Altoona Beauty School’s esthetician program is what excellence in esthetics education looks like. We love this program’s progressive curriculum and how it’s complemented with online learning, e-books, and virtual lessons; its excellent hands-on training in the student salon and spa; and its beauty school coaches who ensure that the curriculum is always contemporary and innovative. Add to that partnerships with Dermalogica and MUD and it’s easy to see why this program earns its place on our list of top picks by offering a balanced and comprehensive learning experience that prepares esthetics students to become job ready experts in the field.
Feasterville, Pennsylvania
Website
Program Length: 400 hours
Tuition: $6,999
Kit and Supplies Cost: $495
Total Cost: $7,494
- Contemporary program features education and training in the latest skincare technologies and techniques, such as aromatherapy, ionic vapor, galvanic current, and pneumopatted vacuum
The Bucks County School of Beauty Culture esthetics program is proven – thanks to a 40-year history of producing tomorrow’s beauty professionals. But this program was never one to settle into complacency. Instead, its curriculum has been constantly updated to ensure that students here receive the finest in both classic and modern techniques and technologies. Its scientific approach to both corrective and protective skincare includes study in innovative areas like aromatherapy, ionic vapor, galvanic current, and pneumopatted vacuum, while providing training in areas like salon management ensure that you’ll be prepared to be an expert esthetician skilled in necessary business practices.
Rhode Island
Cranston, Rhode Island
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $10,572
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,750
Total Cost: $12,322
- Comprehensive curriculum includes study in business, social media, marketing, and retail development training through the trusted Beauty as a Business (BAAB) curriculum
The Michael K. Galvin Beauty & Business Academy has stayed true to its name, providing budding estheticians like you with an esthetics program that combines the finest in skincare training with the best business, social media, marketing, and retail development training through the trusted Beauty as a Business (BAAB) curriculum. This means that not only will you be prepared for state licensure and for a career in esthetics, you’ll also be poised for exciting jobs in management and business ownership. The esthetics course here comes with everything you need for success, including an iPad as part of your start-up student kit.
South Carolina
Florence/Rock Hill/Spartanburg/Columbia/Goose Creek, South Carolina
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $7,800
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,970
Total Cost: $9,770
- Prosper U program curriculum includes career success training and training in the business of beauty
- Curriculum is complemented through partnerships with Dermalogica and MUD makeup
Five locations throughout South Carolina, a comprehensive curriculum that boasts the Prosper U curriculum in career success training and training in the business of beauty, and partnerships with Dermalogica and MUD makeup position the Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology’s esthetics program to be among our favorites. We also love the learning environment found here, which includes opportunities to give back to the community through service learning and volunteering experiences, fun competitions with fellow students, participation in industry events, and enjoyable events like spirit week and fashion shows.
Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee
Website
Program Length: 750 hours
Tuition: $9,995
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,000
Total Cost: $10,995
- Program boasts a 99% job placement rate among recent graduates
- Family-owned business for four generations
- Curriculum features the MUD makeup Beauty Makeup Artistry course
The Tennessee School of Beauty isn’t in the habit of changing what works, which is why for four generations, this family-owned business has chosen to focus its resources and talent on one, state-of-the-art location. The result is a proven program that boasts a 99% job placement rate among graduates. The curriculum here is everything you’d expect in a leading beauty school, thanks to a partnership with MUD makeup and their Beauty Makeup Artistry training course. And while the Tennessee School of Beauty’s curriculum includes everything you need for success on the state licensure exam, its focused design allows you to go from student to graduate in just 20 weeks.
Texas
El Paso, Texas
Website
Program Length: 750 hours
Tuition: $9,700
Kit and Supplies Cost: $700
Total Cost: $10,400
- Program boasts a 100% licensure rate and 92% graduation rate
- Locally owned and operated since 1931
- Superb job placement assistance available to all students
With a 100% licensure rate and 92% graduation rate for its most recent esthetics grads, it’s clear that Tri-State Cosmetology Institute has a pulse on what it takes to produce the next generation of innovative skincare professionals. Job placement assistance…a beautiful, 13,000 square foot facility that was completely redesigned in 2014…and the best in personal attention and support since 1931 has made Tri-State Cosmetology a sure bet for a superb course in esthetics.
Bedford, Texas
Website
Program Length: 750 hours
Tuition: $10,512
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,038
Total Cost: $11,550
- Program boasts a 100% state licensure rate among its most recent grads
- Dermalogica Partner School
- Program includes additional certifications in both microdermabrasion and chemical peels
Duvall’s School of Cosmetology doesn’t just talk a good talk—this Bedford beauty school comes with pretty impressive statistics, too, including a 100% state licensure pass rate among its most recent esthetics graduates. This program’s success is built on a strong curriculum that seamlessly blends the art and science of esthetics…an impressive status as a Dermalogica Partner School…your choice of full-time or part-time study…and additional training and certification in both microdermabrasion and chemical peels. This family-owned school builds its esthetics programs on three, major stages: discovery, skills, and creativity, thereby preparing aspiring skincare professional like you for success on the state licensure exam and in the field.
Austin, Texas
Website
Program Length: 1,200 hours
Tuition: $11,075
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,975
Total Cost: $13,050
- Program boasts a 100% state licensure rate among its most recent grads
- Exceptional practical learning through the school’s 9,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art learning facility
- Program includes basic eyelash extension training—one of just a few esthetics schools in Texas to offer this training
The Ann Webb Skin Institute is where a robust curriculum is blended with the best in real-world learning – and it all results in student success. In fact, the latest esthetics graduates here boasted a 100% state licensure rate! Students of this program enjoy the best of the best, and that includes a beautiful, state-of-the-art spa environment that includes more than 9,000 square feet of lecture classrooms, treatment rooms, and more. You’ll love this program’s qualified and caring instructors as much as you do the school’s ‘No Rudeness Policy’ that demands the highest respect and kindness between students, employees, and guests. Plus, as an esthetics student of the Ann Webb Skin Institute, you’ll receive basic eyelash extensions training—one of just a few schools in Texas to offer this training.
Utah
Provo, Utah
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $7,000
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,650
Total Cost: $8,650
- Excellent options for continuing education
- Exciting opportunities to gain practical experience in the award-winning Spa at Acaydia
A comprehensive curriculum that even includes training in lash extensions, lash lifts, makeup, and sunless airbrush training? Check. Options to continue your education in areas like advanced makeup, microneedling, and state board preparation? Check. And the finest in hands-on learning through the Spa at Acaydia, which was named among the ‘Best of Provo’ by Utah Valley Magazine? Check and check. The Acaydia Spa and School of Aesthetics really does offer it all for aspiring skincare professionals like you. As a school that’s 100% focused on skincare, Acaydia is able to fully engage students in all aspects of the skincare industry, thereby producing graduates who go on to become leaders and innovators in the burgeoning skincare industry.
American Fork, Utah
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $8,150
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,500
Total Cost: $9,650
- Accelerated program can be completed in just 4 months
- Superb opportunities to practice your newly acquired skills in the Mandalyn Academy SPA, which was voted among the ‘Best of Utah County’ for the last three years
While they refer to it as their Basic Esthetics program, Mandalyn Academy’s esthetician program is anything but basic. In fact, this accelerated program, which will take you from student to skincare graduate in just four months, also includes training in lash extensions. So, whether you’re interested in becoming a certified Lash Extension specialist or a skincare professional in any number of settings, Mandalyn Academy’s esthetician program will get you where you want to be. You’ll love this program for its experienced and dedicated instructors, its contemporary curriculum that includes the latest beauty procedures and resources, and the opportunities it gives you to flex your new skills in the Mandalyn Academy SPA, which was voted among the ‘Best of Utah County’ for the last three years. Mandalyn Academy has also earned a reputation for having one of the best state board exam kits, which have helped students of this program achieve a high passing rate on the state licensure exam.
Virginia
Reston, Virginia
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $10,450
Kit and Supplies Cost: $650
Total Cost: $11,100
- Program includes both full- and part-time study options
- Cutting-edge curriculum features treatments found at some of the finest European spas and salons
The Dermal Science International Aesthetics & Nail Academy basic esthetics licensing program is jam packed with everything you need for success as a licensed skincare professional. This program features both full- and part-time study options, expert instructors with extensive industry knowledge, and a curriculum that boasts cutting-edge treatments found at some of the finest European spas and salons. The owner, Shiva Vahid, who comes with international experience and is widely respected in the industry, works closely to ensure the program and instructors are always of the highest caliber.
Washington
Tacoma, Washington
Website
Program Length: 750 hours
Tuition: $11,050
Kit and Supplies Cost: $2,150
Total Cost: $13,200
- Comprehensive curriculum features superb training in business strategies and communication skills, delivered through a proven system developed by the Summit Salon Business Center
- Dermalogica Partner School
- Program includes airbrush makeup courses
Summit Salon Academy’s esthetics program comes with everything you’d expect in a high-caliber program. It’s a Dermalogica partner school, which means you’ll receive the most comprehensive, relevant skincare curriculum. You’ll also use Bio-Therapeutic tools throughout the program, so you’ll enter the field feeling confident in your ability to use the latest tools and technologies. Plus, all students of the esthetics program enjoy special airbrush makeup courses, thanks to a partnership with Muse. And because an esthetics career is based on more than knowledge and skill in skincare, this program also comes with the best training in business strategies and communication skills, delivered through a proven system developed by the Summit Salon Business Center. The system is so effective, it’s now used throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Everett, Washington
Website
Program Length: 1,200 hours
Tuition: $19,438
Kit and Supplies Cost: $3,119
Total Cost: $22,557
- Program includes training in lash extensions, microdermabrasion, the BT Micro Ultrasonic Microcurrent system, and airbrush makeup
- Program can be completed in just seven months by attending school three days per week
- Learn in the school’s beautiful, 15,000-square-foot facility that features modern features and state-of-the-art clinic rooms
In just seven months, the Paroba College of Cosmetology esthetics program will train you to become a skilled esthetician, thanks to an accelerated yet comprehensive course of study. With guidance from the program’s experienced and dedicated instructors, you’ll learn everything you need to know to earn state licensure and begin working as a skincare specialist in the exciting and quickly growing esthetics field. Small class sizes…classes just three days a week…fantastic practical learning through the on-campus salon…and additional training in lash extensions, microdermabrasion, the BT Micro Ultrasonic Microcurrent system, and airbrush makeup are all part of Paroba’s exciting esthetics program. And did we mention that you’ll learn in the school’s beautiful, 15,000-square-foot facility that features state-of-the-art clinic rooms? You’ll get it all here at Paroba.
Wisconsin
Beloit, Wisconsin
Website
Program Length: 600 hours
Tuition: $7,600
Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,800
Total Cost: $9,400
- 25-year history of producing esthetics graduates
First Class Cosmetology School lives up to its name. It’s first rate all around, starting with its fantastic esthetics program that features both full- and part-time study options, a state-of-the-art facility with comfortable classrooms and a fully equipped facial room, and a 25-year history of producing successful graduates who go on to become leaders and influencers in the esthetics field.