Here you’ll find the ten best cosmetology schools in Atlanta. Not only do they teach the basics, they prepare their graduates for the future. Read on for overviews, advantages of each school, career prospects, and average tuition costs.
Keune Academy by 124
Overview
Founded in 2011, this state-of-the-art school serves as an advanced academy hosting continuing education for stylists all over the country. Recently the academy has opened its doors to develop new talent. Says Keune Academy, “Be a part of the fashion, the excellence, the creativity in Atlanta.”
Advantages
Students receive exclusive one-on-one learning due to small class sizes–only 7 students per class. They also have the advantage of access to Keune’s Global Network and Educators. Students experience digital learning through personal iPads and an online learning platform.
An ultra-modern learning facility in the heart of the upscale fashion-forward Atlanta puts students in the mindset of a true cosmetologist. The internationally renowned Pivot Point curriculum is used to teach students technical skills and other knowledge.
Career Prospects
Resume and job interview training help students to feel better prepared for the future. Students will have experience working in a student salon, which will prepare them for professional life.
Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta
Overview
At Paul Mitchell The School, students as known as Future Professionals. These Future Professionals are prepared for successful careers in the beauty industry as licensed cosmetologists through a three-level program. This program breaks down into CORE, ADAPTIVE, and CREATIVE. It takes students from the introductory stages of cosmetology all the way to hands-on learning in a salon and a focus on preparing Future Professionals for the real world.
Each student is completely prepared for exams and for life in the professional world due to this three-level program. Through the same system, students are also able to reach their own personal goals.
Advantages
An intensive but optional study program called PHASE TWO is available to students. This program challenges Future Professionals to their highest performance level. Advanced cosmetology training and conditions that mimic salon reality are combined. After completing PHASE TWO, students are completely prepared for the future.
When they begin classes, students receive an iPad along with a kit of cosmetology essentials. These tools serve them particularly well when they move into hands-on training.
Career Prospects
After completing the three-level cosmetology program and additional PHASE TWO program, students are ready for professional life. It only makes sense that current students and graduates will have successful careers as makeup artists and hairstylists; many alumni of Paul Mitchell The School have had extremely successful careers.
Average Cost
The total cost for the cosmetology program, including supplies, is $21,925.
CEI Hair Schools
Overview
This school is definitely doing something right, because 100% of its students pass their state board exams!
Advantages
CEI offers the most affordable options in the Atlanta area. According to CEI, “We pride ourselves in graduating debt-free professionals.” A wide range of attendance options are available as well, giving students the opportunity to have a flexible schedule.
Theory and practical training are combined to give students a full understanding of cosmetology. A central location in downtown Atlanta provides students with a real-world learning environment on the clinic floor.
Career Prospects
Networking while working in the student salon will aid students in building up their clientele, which they can turn to after they graduate for steady work.
Average Cost
For on campus schooling, the tuition is $1500, while the online assisted program costs $2000 and the distance learning program costs $3000.
Aveda Institute Atlanta
Overview
The Aveda Institute Atlanta boasts of an exclusive curriculum, employs exceptional instructions, and has a successful and sustainable network of salon professionals in the industry.
For each student at the school, an important goal is to cultivate their own unique talents while also mastering technical skills. The Aveda Institute Atlanta aims to build up its students both as individuals and as professionals.
Giving back to the community is one of Aveda’s passions; it has raised over $1 million for a variety of charities, with a special focus on the environment.
Advantages
Students experience the typical salon environment while still in school. They get to work with a diverse clientele in a trendy neighborhood, which prepares them for professional life after graduation.
Vast and varied career paths are available to students and graduates, and Aveda helps students to follow their passions. For example, if one student loved fashion, she could work on runway shows through Aveda’s impressive network. If another student preferred the salon environment, she would receive hands-on experience in that industry.
Career Prospects
When it comes to the 6500 salons in the nation, Aveda’s wide network in the industry leads to great employment opportunities.
Average Cost
The cosmetology program costs $25,375 total.
Empire Beauty School
Overview
At the Empire Beauty School, classes are taught by trained and licensed beauty educators who make learning interactive and fun. A rare combination of advantages advances graduates’ careers.
Empire Beauty School has over 80 years of experience when it comes to beauty education. The school is accredited and federal financial aid is available. The school’s unique CLIC program employs mannequins, textbooks, and specials tools to enhance learning.
Cosmetology programs include hair design, color and texture, hair cutting, basic skin care, business and retail training, and makeup. Students are prepared for many different areas of work through this versatile program.
Advantages
Opportunities to participate in local events benefiting the community are available. These local events also contribute to real-world learning. In addition, students are prepared for board exams with the help of experienced and knowledgeable staff. Finally, students are able to work on real clients in the Empire Beauty School student salon.
Students are able to attract loyal salon clients through the communication and marketing skills they’ve developed in class. They’re also able to build their business through positive word of mouth while still attending school.
Career Prospects
Empire Beauty School aids and supports students in their job search, both while they’re attending school and after graduation. Additionally, students are able to network and build up clientele as they work in the student salon.
Elaine Sterling Institute
Overview
The institute was founded in 2008 as a result of the founder’s dream to provide a quality education that would match the fast-paced and growing field of esthetics. The school is renowned and internationally recognized for its high educational standards. The spa-like environment is perfect for students to learn the best European techniques with the latest equipment.
Many aspects of the institute’s program set it apart from standard beauty schools. Students are held to high expectations and are challenged by the rigorous curriculum. Staff strives to connect classroom studies with real-world experience to provide a seamless transition from school to the workplace.
Advantages
Strong academic standards and high expectations of professionalism mold students into the industry leaders of tomorrow. Studies are connected with the real world rather than just reading a textbook. The Elaine Sterling Institute relies on performance-based education which makes for a seamless transition from school to the workplace.
With cutting-edge skincare technology, access to industry leaders, smaller classes and more individual attention, and international certification, the Institute’s students definitely stand out from the rest.
Career Prospects
Students gain a competitive advantage through various networking opportunities and events, giving them access to industry leaders who may become their future employers. Quality business relationships are built through constant networking.
Average Cost
$15,154 is the total cost for the esthetician program.
Atlanta Beauty and Barber Academy
Overview
The objectives of the master cosmetology program are to develop knowledge, understanding, skill, and appreciation of the theory and operation of cosmetology, as well as to promote mutual esteem, goodwill, harmony, and cooperation with professional and related organizations.
Advantages
Three different schedules are available: full-time, part-time mornings, and part-time evenings. This gives students flexibility when it comes to their educational schedule. Work in a student salon gives students the opportunity to work on real clients and build up their skills to a professional level.
Career Prospects
Job listings are posted on the school’s website for graduates to take advantage of. The school also strives to develop habits of good workmanship and orderly performance of various tasks in the work environment, preparing students for life after graduation. In addition, the school aims to prepare students for entry-level jobs in their demanding workforce.
Average Cost
If paid in full, the total cost is $5000. If not paid in full, the total cost is $6000.
Roberts’ School of Cosmetology
Overview
The school is well-equipped with two classrooms, one large clinic area, and a student lounge with a locker room. This environment was created to be conducive to learning in order to help each student reach their highest level of professionalism.
The curriculum is a unique blend of anatomy, chemistry, and manual skills taught by professionals. The instructors teach in a way that stimulates students’ minds and brings out their creativity.
Advantages
Field trips are used to aid in stimulating the mind while showing students the expansive field of cosmetology. Social activities are also planned to provide fun cultural exposure as well as additional educational training.
Advanced courses are available for licensed cosmetologists who are looking for ways to improve their skills, as well as to be introduced to new techniques.
Career Prospects
Courses in bookkeeping, taxes, and business ethics are taught in order to prepare each student for the financial aspects of business.
The Georgia Institute of Cosmetology
Overview
According to the institute, “The mission of the Georgia Institute of Cosmetology is to provide exceptional, state-of-the-art cosmetology training for serious students who wish to pursue personal career goals in cosmetology and related fields.” The school aims to prepare students for the real-world work environment and employer demands.
Self-paced structural programs use both individual and group instruction, cater to the needs of the individual, enforce discipline and moral values, and impart the joys of achievement and quality performance. The school prepares students for an exciting career in cosmetology and beauty.
Advantages
Hands-on training prepares students for professional life. Bi-weekly enrollment and a flexible schedule allow anyone wishing for a degree in cosmetology to make their dream a reality.
Career Prospects
The future of cosmetology graduates is very promising. The salon industry continues to grow and employ large numbers of professionals. A wide choice of careers is available, including product sales, educator, platform artist, salon owner, esthetician, nail technician, makeup artist, and hair stylist.
Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics
Overview
With a unique learning environment and committed instructors, the Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics has everything it needs to be a successful school of cosmetology. The curriculum is well-developed and taught in a nurturing atmosphere of positivity, inclusion, and support.
Actively promoted are the vital connections between personal wellbeing, economic sustainability, and the health of our planet. A special emphasis is placed on self-discovery and personal growth.
Advantages
The quality and sophistication of the school’s equipment significantly exceeds the requirements of the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology. Class sizes are restricted to ensure that each student receives personalized instruction. The highest professional standards of hygiene and sanitation are upheld.
Career Prospects
Graduates are prepared for the future in a number of ways. They graduate with a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the skin, proficiency in the use of the latest technologies, and high-level clinical experience and client interaction. They also have an understanding of eco-friendly business practices, products, and services.
Career development planning, assistance with resume and interview preparation, a job listing board, job listing email alerts, and a graduate directory are all ways in which graduates are aided in their job search.
Average Cost
$14,049 is the total cost for the program.
