How Much Is Cosmetology School? A Practical Guide for Future Pros

If you’re dreaming about a career in beauty, one of the first questions you might ask is: How much is cosmetology school? It’s a smart question, and an important part of planning your future. At Xenon Academy, we want prospective students to understand not just the cost, but the value of investing in a high-quality cosmetology education. 

Below, we break down typical cosmetology school costs, what affects the price, what’s included in your student beauty kit and how to make your training more affordable. 

How Much Do Cosmetology Classes Cost?

While prices vary by school and state, most cosmetology programs in the U.S. range from $15,000 to $30,000. 

Where you fall within that range depends on several factors: 

• Program length and required hours
• The quality of the training
• Kit quality and equipment costs
• School reputation and accreditation 
• Financial aid options
• Whether you attend full-time or part-time 

At Xenon Academy, we believe in being transparent with students from the beginning. Our admissions team walks you through all program costs, available financial aid and payment options so you can make an informed decision. 

Budgeting for Beauty School

When students — especially young applicants — ask how much cosmetology school is, they don’t always realize that the amount they’ll end up paying is more than just tuition. In addition to the fees and cost of the beauty kit all cosmetology students must purchase, you’ll also need to plan out your additional living expenses. 

Here’s what to consider as you’re figuring out how much it will cost to go to hair school. 

Tuition 

Our cosmetology program includes everything from cutting and coloring to facials, waxing and nail services. You’ll be fully prepared for a career in a salon, spa or as an entrepreneur! The tuition is the cost for the program and to attend all your classes. In Nebraska, you’ll need 1,800 hours to get your license — all 1,800 of those hours are baked into the price of tuition, which usually takes an average of 13 months to finish. 

A Professional Student Kit 

In the same way that someone getting an English degree is handed a list of books to purchase, you’ll need a student kit. This kit typically includes tools, equipment and products you’ll use throughout your program — depending on the school, this can include a ton of different items. Our beauty kit holds multiple combs, brushes, texture rods and clips, and essential tools from shears to blow dryers to manikin heads! 

Back-to-School Basics 

It’s not all about holding scissors and timing developer in the cosmetology classroom. You’ll need to make sure you get some of the classic back-to-school essentials, like a backpack or bag and a notebook for when you’re learning about the “why” behind the “how.” 

Housing and Food 

We know, it seems obvious — but especially if you’re moving out for the first time, it can be easy to get caught up in the bigger one-time expenses and forget about what recurring obligations will do to your budget.  

It really is the little things that can create the biggest surprises — so don’t get caught off-guard! 

Why Costs Vary Between Beauty Schools

If you’re comparing schools, you might notice pricing differences. Those differences usually come down to: 

• Program quality and curriculum depth
• Instructor experience
• Student-to-teacher ratios
• Updated equipment and modern facilities
• Accreditation and access to financial aid
• Brands, technology and professional products used in training 

Cheaper doesn’t always mean better — and the most expensive school isn’t automatically the best. The key is finding a program that offers value, career readiness and real experience. 

For example, hair school often focuses on women’s needs, which can leave stylists unprepared when they have a male client. That’s why we don’t just take the time to specifically teach men’s haircuts and styling in our cosmetology curriculum but have a dedicated barbering program at Xenon Academy. 

Financial Aid & Funding Options

The good news? You don’t have to navigate the investment alone. 

Xenon Academy, in both Omaha and Grand Island, offers financial aid for those who qualify, and many students use one or more of the following: 

• Federal grants
• Student loans
• Scholarships
• Payment plans
• Veterans’ benefits 

Our financial aid team helps you explore every possible option so you can make cosmetology school accessible and affordable. 

Is Cosmetology School Worth the Investment?

Absolutely — if you’re passionate about beauty, style, creativity and connecting with people. 

A cosmetology license opens the door to careers such as: 

• Hair stylist or color specialist
• Makeup artist
• Salon professional or manager
• Lash artist
• Platform artist or educator
• Beauty influencer or content creator
• Independent stylist or salon owner 

In other words: cosmetology is a career with endless pathways, flexibility and earning potential. 

Ready to Learn How Much Cosmetology School Will Cost for You?

Every student’s situation is different, which means the best way to get an accurate answer about the price of beauty school is to talk with our admissions team. 

We’ll walk you through tuition, financial aid, scheduling options and everything else you need to know. 

Apply Now