Being an esthetician can be a very lucrative and satisfying job. Jobs for skincare specialists should grow by 29 percent by 2030. This is a much faster rate than most careers. Also, being an esthetician can be a lot of fun and give you a lot of satisfaction.
Estheticians get to work with their clients and help them look and feel their best by giving them real results. But if you’re thinking about getting started in this field, you might be wondering how the cost of esthetician schools in the U.S.
But that’s why we’re here to help. The affordable esthetician schools in the U.S would have you become an esthetician without breaking the bank. And guess what? You would have access to privileges most people in expensive schools have.
Interested in the cheap esthetician schools in the US? Let’s get started.
Why Become an Esthetician in the U.S?
We came up with the best reasons why you should become an esthetician in the U.S. They are-
You can show people how to take care of their skin and build relationships while you’re at it.
This is something to be proud of. Giving skin advice and doing it right. You help your clients learn about their skin types and any problems they can fix. They will talk to you about their problems so that you can give them the right treatment or product.
Every day, you will also meet different people with different skin problems. Since they’ll want to keep their skin in good shape, they’ll keep coming back to you for regular sessions. This will help you build relationships and even get new clients from them.
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Unlimited access to job opportunities
Estheticians can choose from a wide range of jobs, depending on what they want to do. You can try helping out at a salon or spa that does facials and teaches how to put on makeup.
If you want to work in retail, you can work in a cosmetics store. You can also work for companies that help brands sell out their products.
If you want to become a medical aesthetician, you can expect to work in a hospital or clinic. This way, you help people with their skin problems skin wise.
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You can get a schedule that works for you.
If you want to become an esthetician, you’ll be able to set your hours because the job is so flexible.
Since you work by appointment, you can pick the hours you want to work. When you do this, you have a lot of free time to spend with your family.
You also won’t have to worry about missing work because of everything by appointment.
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You help different people from different backgrounds
There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you help other people solve their problems. It makes you feel like you’ve done something good for yourself.
Since you work in the skincare business, you can address your customers’ concerns. The best way is by coming up with custom solutions that are right for their skin.
So, you can give each person what they need. This gives them the confidence to trust you. You get to help people look good and help build self-esteem.
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Are there any Cheap Esthetician Schools in the U.S?
Well, we cannot say categorically that there are cheap schools. What may be cheap for you might not be cheap for someone else.
However, this article highlights the cheapest esthetician schools in the U.S.
These schools, their prices are affordable to everyone.
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Can you take Online Classes in the Cheap Esthetician Schools in the U.S?
Absolutely. Most, if not all of the affordable esthetician schools in the U.S offer classes online.
If you want to become an esthetician by taking online classes, here are the steps you’ll need to take.
1. Make sure your state department will accept online education hours.
The first step is to find out if your state allows online education. Different states have different requirements for getting a license.
You may need a certain number of hours on the job, or you may have to do all of your training in person.
In many cases, you can do some of your hours online, which means you can learn a lot about esthetics online.
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2. Meet the course’s prerequisites.
It’s also important to make sure you meet any enrollment requirements. Most esthetics classes only require you to have a GED or high school diploma. Some may also require that you reach a certain age, usually 16 or 18.
But you might have needed previous training for some more advanced courses. Talk to the school you’re interested in to find out what courses would be best for you.
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3. Sign up for a certain esthetician program
Once you’ve chosen an esthetics course that works for you, it’s time to sign up. You might want to schedule a tour of the esthetics school you want to go to so you can find out more about how things work before you enroll.
Then you can sign up and get ready for the next semester to start.
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4. Learn about a part of the process on the spot
You won’t be able to learn everything there is to know about esthetics as a beauty program.
Even though online programs to become an esthetician will give you a lot of your training online, you’ll also need some training in person. This will help you figure out how to do what you’re learning.
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How Much Do the Cheap Esthetician Schools in the U.S Cost?
The cost of tuition can be different at each school. The average cost of cheap esthetician schools in the U.S is between $3,000- $6,000. about $15,000.
If an esthetician school costs more than $7,000, you might want to look for one that costs less. In the list below, we listed the affordable esthetician schools in the U.S.
Learn More of How Much Do Esthetician Schools Cost in 2024 ; Tuition and Supplies
How Long is the program at the Cheap esthetician schools in the U.S?
Each state has its own rules about how long an esthetician program has to be. In most U.S. states, an esthetician program takes about 600 hours. This, depending on the curriculum, can end in four to six months.
Esthetician students have to go to school for 600 hours in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. But some states have a little bit different training requirements. For example, esthetician schools in Nevada must offer a 900-hour program for becoming an esthetician.
How long it takes to become an esthetician also depends on when the classes you hold. Most beauty schools have both full-time and part-time options. This way, students with busy schedules can still go to school.
So, it will take a full-time student about 6 months to finish a 600-hour training program. But it could take a part-time student a whole year. Courses for part-time students are often held in the evenings or on the weekends. They may be set up differently than classes for full-time students.
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What are the Cheap esthetician schools in the U.S with Certification?
As an esthetician, you try to help people with their specific skin problems. You guide them through their skin journey, get a lot of job opportunities, and have a flexible schedule. If you’re sure that being an esthetician is your lifelong dream, you can check out these schools.
They are affordable, certified, and offer hands-on training. They all offer a range of courses that ensure you become a professional after you graduate. To top it off, most of these schools help you to get jobs after you have graduated. The 15 best affordable esthetician schools in the U.S are-
- 1. All Beauty College Kingman
- 2. Tucson College of Beauty -Tucson
- 3. Studio Academy Of Beauty Phoenix
- 4. Academy Of Salon & Spa Fort Smith
- 5. Academy Of Professional Cosmetology Rogers
- 6. Salon Professional Academy Little Rock
- 7. San Bernardino Beauty College Santa Bernardino
- 8. Southern California College Of Barber & Beauty Escondido
- 9. Princess Institute Of Beauty Reedley
- 10. Asian-American International Beauty College Sacramento
- 11. Sierra College Of Beauty Merced
- 12. Diamond Beauty College South El Monte
- 13. Advance Beauty College Orange County
- 14. Coastline Beauty College Fountain Valley
- 15. Rosemead Beauty School Los Angeles
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#1. All Beauty College Kingman
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $7,600
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $900
- Total Cost: $8,500
The average NACCAS-accredited esthetician program in a state costs $1,651 less than the state average. Students who finish the program have the qualifications to take licensure exams in California and Nevada. They also meet the requirements for licensure in Arizona. They are one of the affordable esthetician schools in the U.S.
You can choose from three places near Kingman, including Fort Mohave and Lake Havasu. When you get a free face massage before signing up, you can relax and think about how good the program is. A free face massage is an odd reason to sign up for an esthetics program, but ABC is an odd school.
In addition to the usual units in skin care science, the school also offers units on management. There are also career essentials, and how to get started in the industry. You will learn the science and practical skills you need for your job. And also the personal and organizational skills you need to have a rewarding and profitable career in the field.
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#2. Tucson College of Beauty -Tucson
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $7,800
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $2,000
- Total Cost: $9,800
Tucson College of Beauty is one of the affordable esthetician schools in the U.S. It is locally owned, but has major national and international partnerships with Paul Mitchell, Dermologica, Kryolan, and MAC Cosmetics.
With 16 start dates per year for both day and evening classes, it’s easy to find a program that works for you. The main goal at TCB is to make salon professionals who are confident, passionate, and creative. They do this by creating a positive and friendly learning environment.
At the school, people learn how to do massage, microdermabrasion, derma planning, and aromatherapy. After you’ve learned the basics of science, you’ll move on to these more advanced techniques.
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#3. Studio Academy Of Beauty Phoenix
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $8,950
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $885
- Total Cost: $9,835
Studio Academy Of Beauty Phoenix is one of the affordable esthetician schools in the U.S. They offer a wide-ranging makeup program. The program also has transitions from day to night, editorial, stage, and fantasy makeup.
You would also learn of the popular European Facial technique, used in high-end salons and spas all over the world. They encourage students to show their creativity by taking part in local events. These may include weddings, charity events, and fashion shows.
The Studio Academy of Beauty has a wide range of product knowledge that you can’t find anywhere. Students can choose between two completely different product lines. This depends on whether they want to work in the spa or medical industry.
All students learn about the most important parts of skin science. This gives you an edge over the competition when it comes to the basics of the business. You’ll also learn how to use high-tech tools like lasers to treat the skin.
#4. Academy Of Salon & Spa Fort Smith
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $6,000
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,279
- Total Cost: $7,279
The Academy Of Salon & Spa Fort Smith is no doubt one of the cheap esthetician schools in the U.S They teach more advanced ways to color the eyelashes and eyebrows. Academy of Salon & Spa is the first school in the Fort Smith area to offer a course for advanced students all about skin care.
The depth of instruction and focus is clear as you learn about the many parts of beauty. They also go into a full skincare routine, from analyzing your skin to getting treatments.
At the school, you’ll learn advanced techniques like oxygen therapy and dermaplaning. You learn this on more than one machine, so you won’t have to waste time waiting for others.
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#5. Academy Of Professional Cosmetology Rogers
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $6,120
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $1,360
- Total Cost: $7,480
Academy Of Professional Cosmetology Rogers is popular for a lot of reasons. It gained part of its popularity because it is one of the affordable esthetician schools in the U.S. There is rolling admission and monthly class. This gives students a lot of freedom.
More than 150 students can fit in classrooms that are over 8,000 square feet and have climate control.
With an over 80% graduation rate and a 100% licensure rate, this is a good bet for a long-term job in the field. Sin Barnes, the founder, and owner of APC has been in the beauty business for more than 50 years. APC is the third school she opened at that time. This shows in the curriculum and teaching at this small school that pays attention to the details.
Before you start learning about skincare and makeup, you’ll go through a detailed program of chemistry and physiology lessons. This will give you a strong foundation for understanding not only how to analyze and create treatments, but also why they will work.
#6. Salon Professional Academy Little Rock
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $8,299
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $826
- Total Cost: $9,125
The only cosmetology school in Little Rock gets praise for its high quality of education.
Students may be able to get jobs at more than 6,000 Redken Club 5th Avenue salons in all 50 states. That means that the school is not only resourceful but also one of the cheap esthetician schools in the U.S.
There are small class sizes. This means that highly qualified teachers can give each student the most attention. The Salon Professional Academy offers a unique way to learn in a real-life setting. They combine the best parts of salon life and education.
Instructors hold students responsible for their success They do this while giving them the kind of support and training that will help them do well and have a long career in esthetics. It’s no surprise that graduates get jobs all over the country.
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#7. San Bernardino Beauty College Santa Bernardino
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $2,120
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $875
- Total Cost: $2,995
$5,589 less than the state average for NACCAS-accredited esthetician programs
San Bernardino Beauty College Santa Bernardino is one of the cheap esthetician schools in the U.S. Elements of instruction include direct instruction, lectures, guided discovery, and demonstrations. There is also a wide range of other methods that students use with students of all learning styles.
When students learn at a high-end day spa that is fully equipped, they see the full range of what they can do as estheticians. The training covers the most up-to-date skincare science. This includes facial, manual facial, hair removal, and makeup techniques.
You will get real-world experience in a high-end facility with wealthy clients. The school goes above and beyond the state’s minimum training requirements.
#8. Southern California College Of Barber & Beauty Escondido
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $3,000
- Kit and Supplies Cost: Included
- Total Cost: $3,000
Southern California College Of Barber & Beauty Escondido runs one of the affordable esthetician schools in the U.S. The fact that this school’s tuition covers everything makes it an even better deal. There are options for full-time and part-time schedules.
The courses are for creative and visual people who learn better by doing than by sitting in a classroom. Teachers at SCC commit to helping students find jobs after they graduate. As a family-owned college near San Diego, SCC has always held itself and its students to higher standards.
Teachers and staff help every student reach their full potential by giving them hands-on training and support. With that education and those standards, you’ll have a lot of faith in your skills and abilities. Many students go to SCC because they want to learn in a more hands-on way.
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#9. Princess Institute Of Beauty Reedley
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $2,875
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $550
- Total Cost: $3,425
Princess Institute Of Beauty Reedley is by far, one of the affordable esthetician schools in the U.S. At the Princess Institute, you will learn everything there is to know about skincare techniques. From chemical and electrical facial techniques to health and safety concerns and how to clean and sanitize.
Hair removal and putting on makeup are both covered. Instructors use many different ways to teach so that they can help students who learn in different ways.
#10. Asian-American International Beauty College Sacramento
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $3,300
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $580
- Total Cost: $3,880
The school is always looking at the industry to make sure they are teaching the most up-to-date techniques and using the best products. It is one of the cheapest esthetician schools in the U.S. This beauty school is easy to get to and has some of the best academic and career standards in the state.
It costs a lot less than most other options. A flexible curriculum makes it easy to add new techniques and products. The quality of the teaching and attention to detail stays the same from year to year and is always top-notch.
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#11. Sierra College Of Beauty Merced
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $3,500
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $500
- Total Cost: $4,000
In Sierra College Of Beauty Merced, new classes start monthly. They offer the flexibility to begin your education at any time. They accept hours from out-of-state and other qualified esthetics programs.
This 600-hour program takes about 4 months. It covers everything from electrical facials to hot stone massage. It gives you all the skills you need to get a license and start working right away. Sierra College Of Beauty Merced is one of the cheapest esthetician schools in the U.S.
Not only are tuition costs low at SCB. The costs of kits and supplies are also much lower than the average for the state. You can get plenty of eyelash curlers, makeup brushes, towels and sponges, and masks for treating your skin for only $500.
#12. Diamond Beauty College South El Monte
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $3,450
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $600
- Total Cost: $4,050
After going to Diamond Beauty College South El Monte, you can start your education whenever you want. Instructors offer both one-on-one and group lessons to make sure no one falls behind.
Professionals who care about you guide you through the steps you need to take to become a professional. Along with the techniques and artistic skills that all estheticians need, the school works hard to teach poise, charm, self-reliance, and business skills that will help you become a strong professional with a bright future.
At Diamond Beauty College, you will find expensive classrooms and a library. The student lounge and a well-equipped salon space are not left out. Diamond Beauty College South El Monte is one of the cheap esthetician schools in the U.S.
#13. Advance Beauty College Orange County
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $3,450
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $670
- Total Cost: $4,120
Advance Beauty College Orange County is one of the cheap esthetician schools in the U.S. It has won the California Small Business of the Year award. They have also been featured on the websites of Dermalogica and The International Dermal Institute.
ABC in Orange County has done well by motivating people, teaching them, and giving back to the community. Both locations have leaders in their esthetics programs. It isn’t surprising since you’ll learn about cutting-edge equipment like BT Micros and Nuface. You would also have a study advanced techniques like LED Peels.
It’s a tough course, but it will give you the skills you need to beat out your competition in Southern California.
#14. Coastline Beauty College Fountain Valley
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $3,550
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $600
- Total Cost: $4,150
Coastline Beauty College Fountain Valley has campuses in both Hemet and Fountain Valley, making it easy to go. The school’s Career Services Department helps all graduates find interviews and good jobs after graduation. They do this by holding job fairs and giving graduates a lot of time to prepare for scheduled interviews.
Coastline gives students at both of its area campuses a lot of help and expert instruction. The program requires commitment and hard work. You will get graded and tested on what you learn about safety, makeup, and analysis standards.
You will learn the basic chemistry and physiology behind these processes, as well as how to use the tools and products involved. Coastline Beauty College Fountain Valley is one of the cheap esthetician schools in the U.S.
#15. Rosemead Beauty School Los Angeles
- Program Length: 600 clock hours
- Tuition: $3,820
- Kit and Supplies Cost: $500
- Total Cost: $4,320
Rosemead Beauty School Los Angeles has one of the cheap esthetician schools in the U.S. It serves a lot of students who don’t speak English as their first language. It has been around since 1955 and is still one of the best beauty schools in the Los Angeles area.
LA is like a mecca for beautiful people, so it makes sense that if you go to a beauty school there, you will meet some of the best people in your field. Some of these professionals have gone to Rosemead since 1955. The excellent technical knowledge and product information you learn in these courses helps. They focus on service.
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What are the Colleges with Cheap Esthetician Programs?
The colleges with the cheapest esthetician programs are-
Lincoln College
- $3,395 in-district,
- $5,270 in-state,
- $9,770 out-of-state
Delta College
- $3,395 in-district,
- $5,270 in-state,
- $9,770 out-of-state
Mott Community College
- $3,668 in-district,
- $5,041 in-state,
- $6,911 out-of-state
Northeast Alabama Community College
- $4,320 in-state,
- $7,770 out-of-state
Salt Lake Community College
- $3,569 in-state,
- $11,337 out-of-state
Northwest-Shoals Community College
- $4,291 in-state,
- $7,741 out-of-state
Oakland Community College
- $2,745 in-district,
- $5,235 in-state,
- 7,305 out-of-state
Schoolcraft College
- $3,564 in-district,
- $4,854 in-state,
- $6,834 out-of-state
Sacramento City College
- $1,104 in-state,
- $7,440 out-of-state
How to Become an Esthetician: A Short Guide?
When you finish an esthetician program, you can get a certificate from the esthetician school. This can be a useful tool, but there is often confusion about what it means. You may wonder how to use it, and how it relates to getting a license and getting a job.
To become an esthetician, you need to:
Do an apprenticeship or a training program to become an esthetician (allowed in some states).
To become an esthetician, you must first sign up for and finish an esthetician program. Your curriculum will depend on the school you go to and where you live.
It must prepare you for all licensure exams in your state. It must also meet the training hour requirements in your state.
Send your state board proof of your training or apprenticeship hours.
“Training hours” keep track of how long you spend in a cosmetology program learning how to be an esthetician.
With a mix of classroom work and hands-on training, the hours you spend learning will not only prepare you to meet your state’s licensing requirements but also work as an esthetician in the field with confidence and skill.
Take all required tests and pass them.
Most of the time, passing the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exam is the last step. There are two parts: the practical or hands-on test and the written or theory test.
In most states, you have to do both. Most of the states that don’t require NIC tests have similar tests.
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FAQs
It costs between $3,000- $6000. However, the best way to find out exactly how much it will cost is to call the school. Also, before you go to college, look into all possible scholarships and financial aid.
Dermatologist
Skincare coach
Hairstylist
Hairdresser
Makeup artist
Esthetician
Nail technician
Skin therapist
Salon manager
You could work as a makeup artist, hairstylist, or nail technician if you got a degree in cosmetology. Also, you could teach or do research. There are many places you can work in this field, like salons, spas, resorts, and cruise ships.
Yes. Some schools give out bachelor’s degrees, while others give out certificates or diplomas. First, you need to finish a program that has approval. Most programs last from nine months to two years.
Depending on your state, you need about 260 to 1500 hours of training to get a license. Then, you have to pass both a written and a hands-on test.
Conclusion
The best cheap esthetician schools in the US have great programs and foolproof curricula. If the tuition costs on this list are still high for you, you can look at getting grants and scholarships. Graduates can make a lot of money, and their starting salaries can be high.
In the end, becoming an esthetician would be worth it. As long as these esthetician schools are around, people will always need beauty experts.
You should read: 13+ Best Esthetician Classes Online for Beginners & Experts | 2024
Reference
- thebeautyholic.com– Cheap esthetician schools in the U.S
- helptostudy.com Top esthetician schools to study in the U.S
- ambersbeautyschool.com– Esthetician schools with affordable tuition
- estheticianedu.org– Lowest priced esthetician schools
- Image Source
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