7 Factors to Consider When Choosing Cosmetology Schools
There are around 722,600 cosmetology roles in the U.S, which shows it’s a popular career choice.
Pursuing cosmetology lets you express yourself, uplift others, and enjoy a rewarding career. Perhaps you’re browsing cosmetology schools but you’re unsure how to find the best fit for you.
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are seven factors to consider when choosing cosmetology schools.
1. Check Out the Curriculum
Before you compare options for schools, check whether the curriculum provides top-tier education for cosmetologists.
Know that cosmetology encompasses multiple areas such as hair coloring, general cosmetology, and nail care. Make sure you know which one to excel in, so you can see whether the curriculum aligns with your goals.
If you’re unsure, consider taking cosmetology classes for a sweeping understanding of the art. Then you can choose which area to focus on.
Find this information on this website and check whether the school prefers hands-on experience. Plus, they must adopt the latest industry technology so you’re getting a relevant education.
Further, whip out a must-have checklist to narrow down your choices. For instance, consider whether you want to learn a wide range of skills or you want a more affordable school. Knowing what you want will determine the best fit, so be rigorous and honest in your checklist.
To help, check out job descriptions for your perfect role so you know what they’re looking for. This will ensure you take the right lessons and earn the necessary credentials for your first job.
2. Book a Campus Tour
Aside from comparing school costs, you should book a campus tour to get a feel for the place. Checking their website and media can only teach you so much, so book a tour so you understand what the commute is like and whether it’s the best learning environment for you.
As you tour, consider how the students are. Do they seem happy? Are they enjoying the courses? Don’t be afraid to approach students and ask about their experience, they’ll likely give you honest feedback.
You should also ask Admissions about what makes their school unique. Perhaps it’s the extracurricular activities, a rota of guest speakers, or a high job placement rate. If the answer is lackluster, consider choosing a school that goes the extra mile for its students so that it’s worth your time.
3. Calculate the Tuition Fees
Every cosmetology school should be forward about tuition fees so there aren’t any nasty surprises.
You should also consider your budget and whether attending your dream cosmetology school is realistic. If not, ask whether the institution offers financial aid or scholarships. Ask the Admissions about the types of loans or grants available, so you can realistically assess your options.
4. Consider Your Schedule
Not every student’s schedule is the same, so find a cosmetology school that supports yours. For instance, if you’re currently working full-time then ask your boss whether you can shift your hours so you can attend classes.
You can also choose whether to enroll on a part- or full-time basis. Some students raising families attend night classes so they can still land the top jobs in cosmetology. Note, most institutions offer multiple enrolment dates so you can choose when the best time to start is.
5. Research Its Reputation
Around 82% of consumers read reviews for local businesses to decide whether they’re worth the money. The same should go for students so they can see if the cosmetology school is good enough for them.
Check references and reviews on the institution’s social media pages or Google, and focus on what the students are saying. Have they all had good experiences? But be mindful of overly positive or negative comments as these could be fake.
So, for each school, consider which ones have the best reviews as it will help your search. Plus, including a college with a positive reputation on your resume will leave a far better impression than a negative one.
6. Learn About the Instructors
You should also reach out to the instructors, as they’re the backbone of your education. Find a school with a smaller student-teacher ratio so you get more time with the instructor, perfect if you’re struggling in a certain area.
Further, find out whether the school offers employment support. It’s overwhelming landing your first graduate role especially as the job market is highly competitive. But plenty of reputable schools will guide you through the process by alerting nearby beauty salons, so you’re open to new job opportunities.
Plus, the faculty will know how to match students with the right skills to the perfect establishment.
7. Consider Its Accreditation
Finding your dream cosmetology school is overwhelming, especially when there’s an extensive selection. But not every institution is made equal, making it harder for a prospective student to find the perfect fit.
If you’re in this position, refer to the list of accredited schools in the U.S. These will be found through reliable organizations like the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). This guarantees you have a lawful, quality education so you can secure a great graduate job.
Our Tips on Cosmetology Schools
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know how to choose from the best cosmetology schools across the country.
Familiarize yourself with the curriculum, book a campus tour, and reach out to students for their honest feedback. You should also check that the school has been accredited and is being run by honest, reputable instructors. Good luck!
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