The beauty and wellness industry has been thriving for decades. From cosmetology to aesthetics, the demand for skilled and licensed professionals continues to rise. However, before you can begin shaping brows or styling hair, there’s one question you must answer first: how to choose a beauty school. In this guide we’ll walk you through what to look for in a school, what kind of training to expect and how to start shaping a future you’ll love.
Define Your Career Path: What Do You Want to Specialize In?
Before you enroll, it’s important that you first know where you want your beauty education to take you. Of course, as you progress through your training you’ll gain more experience which can help you understand what you like to do the most.
However, it’s still important to understand that different programs are designed for different career tracks. So if you already have a specific path in mind, it’s better to initially invest your time and effort into that specific program. You can always complete more specializations later on!
So, do you dream of becoming a cosmetologist? Or are you more drawn to the artistry and technique of skincare and want to pursue a career in esthetics?
These are all questions you should think about, so that you can choose a beauty school that does offer the program you’re most interested in.
Make Sure the School Is Licensed and Accredited
Choosing a licensed and accredited beauty school is absolutely non-negotiable. Accreditation ensures that your chosen program meets both professional and state standards. This is a vital criteria if you want to become licensed after graduating.
Remember, without proper accreditation, your education may not even qualify you for the state board exam or financial aid opportunities.
📍 At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, all our programs meet Illinois licensing standards. Our beauty school is accredited and recognized for our commitment to high-quality beauty education.
Review the Curriculum and Hands-On Training
A strong beauty school will blend theory with practical lessons. Working as a beauty specialist is a hands-on profession. So, the best way to learn, grow and perfect your skills will always be through real-world practice.
Whether you’re learning haircutting techniques or mastering advanced makeup styles, you will need hours on the floor to build confidence and ensure you achieve perfect results for each client.
So, when researching beauty schools make sure to talk to the admissions team and ask questions like:
- How much time will I spend in practical vs. classroom settings?
- Will I work with real clients?
- Is the curriculum updated to reflect industry trends?
✅ Cosmetology & Spa Academy values learning through practice. Therefore, our students get to work with real clients in our clinic-style classrooms, gaining real-world experience from day one.
Evaluate the Instructors and Learning Environment
Keep in mind that you’re not just schooling a school, but rather you’re choosing the mentors that will guide you throughout your whole journey. Your instructors should be licensed, experienced professionals who are devoted to and passionate about teaching
So make sure to research the beauty school staff. Check out their social media and see if they engage with their students. Try to answer these questions:
- Do the instructors have real industry experience?
- Is the learning environment supportive and inspiring?
- Will I get personalized feedback?
- Does the school organize events and activities?
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, our instructors are industry pros who’ve worked in salons, spas and even med-spas for years.
They’re here to guide, coach and inspire you, providing real world experience and valuable feedback you won’t find anywhere else.
🎓 So, if you’re interested in learning more about our team, feel free to contact us!
Consider Tuition, Financial Aid & Class Flexibility
One of the most frequently asked questions we see new students ask is “how much does beauty school cost?”. The answer varies according to the program you choose, the location and more.
However, generally speaking beauty school is much more affordable than a traditional 4-year college. Also, it’s important to consider both the tuition and the value you’re getting in return.
Look for beauty schools that offer:
- Transparent pricing
- Financial aid or payment plans
- Flexible class schedules (day/evening)
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we help you plan your education around your life, not the other way around. We offer full-time and part-time schedules and our team can walk you through financial aid options.
Don’t hesitate to contact us and ask us about tuition and schedule options for our beauty programs.
Visit the Campus and Ask Questions
No website or brochure can replace seeing the school for yourself. Touring the campus gives you insight into the atmosphere, the tools you’ll be using and the kind of support you’ll receive.
When visiting your future beauty school, look for:
- A clean, active clinic floor
- Modern equipment
- Welcoming staff and instructors
- Students who are engaged and supported
📅 Book a Tour of Cosmetology & Spa Academy to see our professional-grade classrooms and talk to our students and instructors in person!
Read Reviews and Talk to Graduates
Still asking yourself, what is the best beauty school for me? One of the smartest ways to find out is to read real reviews and connect with former students.
Check online testimonials, school ratings and graduate stories. Alumni feedback is truly one of the most powerful indicators of the school’s quality and post-graduation success.
💬 Check out our testimonials and see what our graduates have to say about their experience at Cosmetology Spa & Academy!
Look for Career Support After Graduation
At one point you will graduate. Then what? A solid academic institution will provide adequate support to help you discover what you can do after beauty school. Remember, the answer depends largely on the support you receive.
Great beauty schools offer:
- Job placement assistance
- Resume and interview prep
- Licensing exam prep
- Partnerships with salons and spas
Our career services team helps students beyond their graduation day, from preparing for the Illinois State Board exam to finding job opportunities through the network they’ll already have built during their training.
FAQs about Choosing a Beauty School
What is beauty school?
Beauty school is a vocational training program that teaches the practical and theoretical skills needed to become a licensed professional in fields like cosmetology, esthetics or barbering.
So in other words, it’s an umbrella term for a school that provides all these different training programs.
How much do beauty schools cost?
Beauty schools in Illinois typically cost between $10,000 and $20,000 for a full program, depending on the institution. Costs vary by location and program, but most accredited beauty schools offer financial aid, payment plans or scholarships. Always compare value, not just price!
How long is beauty school?
It depends on the program. Full-time cosmetology or esthetics programs can be completed in as little as 10–12 months, while part-time schedules may take longer.
Our barbering and cosmetology programs are 1500 hours long, while our esthetics program is 750 hours long. We also offer a 500 or 1,000-hour (compliance) instructor career training program.
How to get into beauty school?
Most schools require a high school diploma or equivalent. From there, it’s about choosing the right program, applying and enrolling in the class schedule that works for you.
What do you do after beauty school?
Graduates typically take their state board licensing exam, then begin working in salons, spas, medical settings or even launching their own businesses.
What is the best beauty school?
There is no short answer. The best beauty school is one that fits your goals, offers accredited programs, provides hands-on training and supports your career after graduation. So you can make the right choice focusing on your location, goals and needs.
However, always make sure to find an accredited beauty school like Cosmetology Spa & Academy!
Conclusion: Make the Right Choice for Your Future
Choosing the right beauty school means looking beyond the brochure. It means finding a place that offers opportunities to grow, practice in real-life salon settings, feedback and guidance experienced instructors, career support and flexible study options.
👉 Contact us at info@csa.edu or +1 815-455-5900 and learn more about our:
