Accredited cosmetology schools offer students a more valuable education than non-accredited beauty schools. To become accredited, these schools must pass rigorous assessments by third-party organizations.
While traditional four-year universities charge over $35,000 annually, cosmetology and other trade schools often have more affordable tuition. In addition, some programs offer articulation agreements that allow graduates to transfer their credits into bachelor’s degrees.
Accreditation is a Sign of Quality
In addition to earning a cosmetology license, students attending accredited beauty programs can often qualify for federal aid. This includes grants, work-study funds, and subsidized and unsubsidized loans. This makes it easier for students to afford the cost of their education.
Another benefit of cosmetology school in Texas is that it can help you develop relationships with different people. For example, if you love to interact with new people and have an outgoing personality, this may be your career. Cosmetology is also a great field for those who want to be creative and flexible in their work.
Unlike classes at traditional colleges, which can have hundreds of students in a single course, cosmetology classes are typically smaller for hands-on training. Many schools will require students to purchase supplies beforehand, such as standard cosmetology tools and frocks. This can add up to a substantial amount of money. However, you can find discounts on these items to make the tuition more affordable.
It’s a Sign of Credibility
Cosmetologists get to use their creativity. They can experiment with unique color combinations and try new hair styling techniques. They also get to work with people and create meaningful relationships that can help them build a successful career.
Unlike a four-year college, most cosmetology schools offer flexible schedules. This makes it easy for students to fit school into their busy lives and still find time to pursue passions and interests outside of class. Some cosmetology schools even provide job placement assistance, which can be beneficial when getting a job after graduation.
When choosing a cosmetology school, ask about its track record of placing graduates into jobs. This will give you an idea of the quality of the education you will receive. It would help if you also looked at the school’s alumni network and its reputation within the industry. In addition, you should consider the affordability of the school’s tuition. It is common for trade-based colleges to have lower tuition than traditional universities.
It’s a Sign of Stability
Cosmetology schools often work closely with local businesses to help students gain real-world experience in their future careers. They may even go as far as to provide intensive business training. This teaches students the nuts and bolts of running the administrative end of a beauty industry business, which can make them more valuable to employers in the future.
In addition, students at accredited cosmetology schools have a clear path to a career after graduation. They know that by completing their program, they will have the required hours to apply for licensure. This can be less clear-cut with other education options.
Lastly, students at accredited cosmetology programs can be confident they will graduate with enough money to cover basic expenses. That is especially important because students attending non-accredited cosmetology schools often have astronomical student loan debt, making it difficult to cover basic living expenses. This situation could change if the Department of Education’s proposed “gainful employment” rule is implemented.
It’s a Sign of Flexibility
Students at accredited cosmetology schools also benefit from more flexible tuition costs. This means they can qualify for federal financial aid, including grants and work-study funds. This can make the difference between being able to attend and not attending school.
Cosmetology school graduates also earn more money than those who attended non-accredited schools. However, critics of applying earnings-based metrics to cosmetology programs say these data do not reflect the reality of working in the beauty industry.
Students who enroll in an accredited cosmetology program can also take advantage of the school’s student salon, which allows them to practice their skills on paying clients. They can then apply these skills to their work after graduation.
Additionally, many accredited cosmetology schools offer career placement services after graduation. This can help graduates find employment quickly and start earning a steady income. In addition, some schools provide online courses that can be completed at home, allowing students to fit their education around their existing schedules.
