How to Choose When You’re Deciding Between Two Cosmetology Schools

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How to Choose When You’re Deciding Between Two Cosmetology Schools

Published: April 19, 2009
by Rosanne Ullman

Last time, Mel was trying to decide between Beauty School A, which she preferred, and Beauty School B, where tuition was $4,000 cheaper. I gave Mel four suggestions:

1. Search online for reviews and comments not just about each of the two chains, but also about the particular locations you

would attend. Try to find both complaints and praise from students who have attended.
2. Stop into several upscale salons in your area. Ask the owners or managers whether they recommend one school over the other and why.
3. Through their literature and websites, compare the two schools for: how many hours you’ll be on the floor doing hair on real clients; how vigorously they prepare you for the state boards; the percentage of entering students who graduate; the percentage of graduating students who pass the boards; how much they focus on business skills, money management and general life skills; their success in job placement; and the teachers’ background and training.
4. Visit each school one more time. How clean is it? Do students look engaged? Are people smiling and having fun? Get really in touch with how you feel while you're there. Are you comfortable picturing yourself in that program?

After that research, if the pricier school rose above the other one, I advised Mel to pay the extra tuition. However, if she felt that the cosmetology schools were still pretty even, I thought she should attend the less expensive one. Next time I’ll reveal the school Mel selected.