15 Best Esthetician Schools in South Carolina

Are you in South Carolina? Are you interested in becoming an esthetician? Do you want to know what the best esthetician schools in South Carolina are?

To become an esthetician, you have to study, take tests, and get a license from your state. First, you need to get a good education from a reliable school. And that’s why we are here.

This article does not only provide the 15 best esthetician schools in South Carolina. It also provides a lot of other detailed information. For instance, you would find the cost, and duration and even figure out whether you can study online. Let’s dive right in!

You should read: How can I become an Esthetician in a Short time? Schools, Licenses, Salary & Cost

Why Become an Esthetician in South Carolina?

The state’s beautiful coastline and popular seaside towns help bring in a lot of tourists. This is one of the reasons the job outlook here is so good. This strong and consistent job growth makes it exciting.

In 2016, there were 626 skincare specialists in the Palmetto State, according to the South Carolina Department of Labor. By 2026, this number should rise to 717, which is an increase of 14.5%.

Even though South Carolina salaries are a little lower than the national average, this isn’t a big deal when you consider the cost of living.

The good news is that the state’s most experienced and in-demand estheticians make almost three times as much as the state’s newest estheticians. In other words, it is off to become an esthetician in South Carolina.

When you add in customer tips and commissions based on your services, you can usually make up to 20% more. Once you have the experience, you would find that becoming an esthetician in South Carolina is worth it.

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Are there any Best Esthetician schools in South Carolina?

There are 15+ esthetician schools in South Carolina. We have listed them below. We also have the links included and a brief description as well. This is to ensure you can easily visit the website of any school to make more enquires. You could also apply immediately as well.

Can you take esthetician classes online in the Top Esthetician Schools in South Carolina?

Most of the top esthetician schools in South Carolina allow for online classes. They make sure that even if you are not ready for traditional schooling, you get knowledge. Even though the online option isn’t open for everyone, it is a great option.

You must, however, find a way to get hands-on training to practicalize what they taught online. It’s important when you go for a license.

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How much do the Best Esthetician Schools in South Carolina Cost?

Every school has its own peculiar cost. Make sure you contact your school to be sure of the exact fees you are to pay. However, the general break-down of the costs you may have to pay is-

Sign-up fee- $100
Kits and books- $2950.
Tuition- $2950
Lab Fees- $450

How long does it take to go to the Best Esthetician Schools in South Carolina?

It takes 600 hours of school work in South Carolina to become an esthetician. To become a licensed Esthetician in South Carolina, you have to go to school for 600 hours and pass the required tests. After these tests, you can now go-ahead to become a licensed esthetician.

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What are the Best Esthetician Schools in South Carolina?

Most of the schools on our list of the best esthetician programs in South Carolina offer career services to their graduates. They also have classes that teach you how to be good at the business side of an esthetician career.

To round out our list of the best schools in South Carolina, we also looked at schools that were close to the border.

Here is our list of the 15 top esthetician schools in South Carolina that offer esthetics programs. They all also meet licensing requirements and are accessible to people who want to become estheticians.

Medical Esthetician schools

1. Academy of Hair Technology – Greenville
2. Aiken School of Cosmetology – Aiken
3. Charleston Cosmetology Institute – Charleston
4. Charzanne Beauty College-Greenwood

Accredited Esthetician Schools

5. Columbia Academy of Cosmetology – West Columbia
6. LeGrand Institute of Cosmetology – Camden
7. Academy of Nail Technology and Esthetics – Charlotte
8. Aveda Institute – Charlotte

Licensed Esthetician Schools

9. International Spa Institute – Bluffton
10. Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology – Greenville
11. Miller-Motte Technical College – Charleston
12. Southeastern Esthetics Institute – Columbia

Cheap Esthetician Schools

13. Strand College of Hair Design – Myrtle Beach
14. Florence- Darlington Technical College
15. Technical College of the Lowcountry

Medical Esthetician Schools

By 2024, the medical esthetics market will be worth $7 billion. As a billion-dollar market, it’s easy to see that these services are quickly becoming more popular. InTheumber of med spas has grown by 500% in the last ten years. When there are more jobs available, there are more places to work.

After you finish your training, you don’t have to work in a med spa. Many medical estheticians work in doctor’s offices, dermatology clinics, salons, healthcare facilities, or even laser centers. The medical esthetician schools are-

Have you seen: How can I become an Esthetician in a Short time? Schools, Licenses, Salary & Cost

#1. Academy of Hair Technology – Greenville

When it came to the perks it gives to its students, AHT did very well. The school’s cosmetology curriculum puts a lot of emphasis on the business, art, and science of the field.

This program gives students many ways to pay for their education, like scholarships and education benefits for veterans.

All graduates can also count on help finding a job to get their careers started. The only thing about this program that is worse than average is the cost. It is quite expensive. However, despite the cost, it is still one of the best esthetician schools in South Carolina.

Visit Academy of Hair Technology – Greenville

#2. Aiken School of Cosmetology – Aiken

Aiken School of Cosmetology – Aiken is one of the best esthetician schools in South Carolina. The job placement rate for this school’s graduates is the best of all the programs on our list. It came in at a perfect 100%. The fact that 84 percent of students graduate on time is also a good thing.

It also gets praise for taking scholarships, helping students find jobs, and accepting G.I. Bill benefits for veterans. This school promises each student that they will learn more than just the basics of esthetics. They are also taught the “most advanced techniques available” in the field.

When compared to the other schools on our list, this program has one of the lowest levels of debt for graduates. It is a great medical esthetician school and also one of the top esthetician schools in North Carolina.

Visit Aiken School of Cosmetology – Aiken

#3. Charleston Cosmetology Institute – Charleston

This program gets a “Wow” point because 90% of its students graduate on time. Also, 91% of its students get jobs in their field after they graduate. Charleston Cosmetology Institute – Charleston is one of the top esthetician schools in South Carolina.

Veterans can use their G.I. Bill benefits to go to school here. The school also helps find jobs for its students. This school is also a great part of the community because it helps you save money. It also tutors those who have an interest in medical esthetics.

Visit Charleston Cosmetology Institute – Charleston

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#4. Charzanne Beauty College-Greenwood

When compared to the other schools on our list, graduates of this program have the least amount of federal student debt. Since it opened in 1966, the school has been a center of the community. It is now the main place for cosmetology training in the six-county Lakelands area.

This program helps students find jobs after they graduate. One more good thing about their esthetician program is that it teaches you how to run a business. Charzanne Beauty College-Greenwood has one of the top esthetician schools in South Carolina.

Visit Charzanne Beauty CoCollege-Greenwood

Accredited Esthetician Schools

Always look for an esthetician school that has the approval of the state. The National Accreditation Commission for the Arts and Sciences of Cosmetology is one of the best organizations that gives accreditation (NACCAS). The accredited esthetician schools in South Carolina are-

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#5. Columbia Academy of Cosmetology – West Columbia

Columbia Academy of Cosmetology – West Columbia currently runs one of the best esthetician schools in South Carolina. This program is for people who want to become estheticians. They have accreditation to teach students all they should know in this field.

You can finish this program in nine months. You can also learn the business skills and artistic side of esthetics. This will help you do well as a professional in this field. When you graduate, this school can also help you get your first job or placement.

It is one of the top esthetician schools in South Carolina where there are classes both in the morning and in the evening. The teachers attend esthetician workshops and seminars often so they can keep up with the latest changes in the field.

Visit Columbia Academy of Cosmetology – West Columbia

#6. LeGrand Institute of Cosmetology – Camden

The business training that students get in this program gives them the skills they need to be successful estheticians on their own or to run a salon. LeGrand Institute makes your education as affordable as possible. It does this by offering tuition that is below the average for the schools on this list.

This school accepts veterans’ education benefits and gives scholarships. This school has accreditation, making it easy for you to get a license after you graduate. It is one of the best esthetician schools in South Carolina.

Visit LeGrand Institute of Cosmetology – Camden

#7. Academy of Nail Technology and Esthetics – Charlotte, NC

The Academy of Nail Technology and Esthetics stands out in the community as a center for health, beauty, and style. Most beauty schools only teach a little bit about esthetics, but here it is the main focus!

The Academy has been the best place to learn about nail technology for more than 20 years. Since 2001, it has also had a program to teach people how to be estheticians. The Academy’s students get a broad education that goes beyond the basics.

This school also teaches them important business skills for estheticians. This school is also one of the best esthetician schools in South Carolina.

Visit Academy of Nail Technology and Esthetics – Charlotte

#8. Aveda Institute – Charlotte

Students at Aveda learn to be skincare specialists under one of the most well-known names in the industry. They do this by only using products made of pure flowers and plant essences.

There are 8,000 places around the world with the Aveda name. And they have all perfected skin care services and education on a global scale.

As an esthetics student here, you’ll learn everything you need to know. From how to use products to how to run a business. You will have access to resources that can help you find work at any Aveda location in the world.

As a school-based on natural, pure substances, you can expect your education to be uplifting and inspiring. It is one of the best esthetician schools in South Carolina.

Visit Aveda Institute – Charlotte, NC

Licensed Esthetician Schools

Before you look at schools, you’ll need to check if the school has a license. This will depend on your specialty and the state you live in.

Employers sometimes like to hire people who went to schools that have a license. So going to a licensed esthetician school can increase your chances of getting a job after you graduate. They are-

#9. International Spa Institute – Bluffton

What began as a massage school in 1998 has grown into a popular place for estheticians. International Spa Institute – Bluffton has three branches and a 15-year-old esthetics program. Students at the International Spa Institute have teachers who are professionals in what they do.

Those who finish this program can get help finding a job. This school has a license to teach estheticians and is also one of the best esthetician schools in South Carolina.

Visit International Spa Institute – Bluffton

#10. Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology – Greenville

Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology says that a career in health and beauty can give you a lot. It offers “a virtually unlimited income, a flexible work schedule, and the chance to be your boss.” Students here can invest in their education with the help of scholarships. It is in fact, one of the top esthetician schools in South Carolina.

The curriculum includes business development skills, and graduates can get help finding work. Local events and volunteer work give students a lot of chances to get involved in their communities.

This school has four locations in South Carolina. It knows what’s going on in the beauty industry there and across the country.

Visit Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology – Greenville

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#11. Miller-Motte Technical College – Charleston

Miller-Motte turned 100 years old in 2016, and it has a long history of academic excellence. Since it started, it has grown to 17 campuses in six different states. The curriculum here covers the basics you need to know to pass the state exam to become an esthetician.

It also covers important business topics that will help you succeed in the health and beauty industry. 84% of Miller-Motte students graduate on time, and 92% of those who do find a job in their field soon after. It is one of the best esthetician schools in South Carolina.

Visit Miller-Motte Technical College – Charleston

#12. Southeastern Esthetics Institute – Columbia

The owner of Southeastern Esthetics Institute promises to teach you everything you need to know to take your career to the next level. Most schools’ main program is cosmetology, and esthetics is just a part of it. But at Southeastern, esthetics is the main course of study.

The commitment to students is one way that the Institute goes above and beyond. 100% of students graduate on time, and 90% of them get a job in their field right away.

Even though they are studying to become estheticians, students also learn important business skills. This school is one of the top esthetician schools in South Carolina.

In this school, graduates can get help finding jobs, and veterans can use their GI Bill benefits. As a student, you can also get inspired by learning in a modern, stylish, and chic building. There are also shelves full of the latest designer beauty products.

Visit Southeastern Esthetics Institute – Columbia

Cheap Esthetician Schools

There are very few esthetician schools in South Carolina that are cheap. To be good, they have to make sure you pay for the value you are getting. We found a few that are less expensive than other schools on this list. They are-

#13. Strand College of Hair Design – Myrtle Beach

Strand College started in 1993 to help the beauty industry get better. This goal is still met every time a new group of estheticians gets their license. Here, teachers help each student get ready to reach their own personal and professional goals. They do this with a very cheap tuition rate.

The Strand College faculty has knowledge of the industry, expert teaching skills, and a strong commitment to their students. As a result, 90% of their students graduate on time. The curriculum here covers everything you need to know about esthetics, including how to run a business.

Students can also get involved in the local community through charity events and social gatherings. Strand College of Hair Design is one of the best esthetician schools in South Carolina.

Visit Strand College of Hair Design – Myrtle Beach

#14. Florence- Darlington Technical College

The public college Florence-Darlington Tech is in the state of South Carolina. It is a small school, with only 1,259 students in the first year. The rate of acceptance to Florence-Darlington Tech is 100%.

Florence- Darlington Technical College is one of the best esthetician schools in South Carolina. It is also one of the cheapest.

Visit Florence- Darlington Technical College

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#15. Technical College of the Lowcountry

Tech the Lowcountry is a public college in the South Carolina city of Beaufort. It is a small school with 532 first-year students. The rate of acceptance to Tech the Lowcountry is 100%. Tech the Lowcountry only sends 15 percent of its students on to college. Those who do earn a starting salary of $21,800.

Its esthetician program would also help ensure you get jobs after getting certified.

Visit Technical College of the Lowcountry

What are the Colleges with Esthetician Programs?

If you want to turn your love of beauty into a new job, you can either go to esthetician schools. Or you can look out for colleges that offer esthetician programs. The colleges with esthetician programs in South Carolina are-

University of Clemson
Greenville Technical College
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
University of South Carolina- Sumter
Bob Jones University

You should read: 15 Best Esthetician Schools in NC (North Carolina) | 2024

How to Become an Esthetician: A Short Guide

Step 1: Complete a 600-hour program to become a facial operator.

In South Carolina, you have to graduate from an esthetician school before you can get a license as an esthetician. The South Carolina Board requires that you take at least 600 hours of training in esthetics. This training must include:

Professional Practices: Hygiene and Running a Business
Skin Histology, Dermatology, and How the Skin Works as a Whole
Facial Treatments: Facial Massage, Electrical Current-Facial Treatments, etc
Depilatories, plucking, waxing, and threading are all ways to remove hair
Makeup’s goal, effects, materials, preparation, and steps
The goal, effects, types of treatments, supplies, and safety of body wraps
Laws, rules, and regulations for the state of South Carolina

After you finish at the top esthetician schools in South Carolina and pass the tests, you can apply to take the South Carolina licensing exams.

Step 2: Fill out an application for South Carolina’s license exams.

The South Carolina Board has chosen Professional Credential Services (PCS) to give the state licensing exams. You will need to sign up directly with South Carolina PCS Services to take the licensing exams.

You have 24 months from the end of your esthetician training program to take and pass these exams.

Step 3: Pass the theory and practical license tests for South Carolina.

You will use the documents PCS sent you to schedule both the theory exam and the practical exam. You will need to use the Theory Authorization to Test Letter to set up a time for your written exam with PSI services.

You’ll need to bring that letter with you to your test. The written exam will cover both scientific ideas and practices in esthetics.

Step 4: Get started as an esthetician in South Carolina

Now that you have your esthetician license, you can look for work anywhere. This includes hotels, salons, spas, department stores, or dermatology offices in South Carolina.

In the long run, you might also think about becoming an instructor for estheticians.

Step 5: Keep learning to keep your esthetician license current.

Your esthetician license needs renewal every year on March 10th. To do this, you must first show that you have successfully finished at least twelve (12) hours of continuing education.

You can renew your license online with the Board once you have finished the required continuing education.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take in South Carolina to become an esthetician?

600 hours. To become a licensed Esthetician in South Carolina, you have to go to school for 600 hours and pass the required tests.

How much does a South Carolina esthetician school cost?

You would need to pay an application fee of $100. Accounting fees of $450. Books of $1150.

How do I get an SC esthetician license?

You can get a license to do beauty work through the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology. For an esthetician license in South Carolina, you have to show proof of at least 6000 hours of training. Then you can take your license tests. To get your license, you must pass both tests.

Which college in South Carolina is the best for estheticians?

University of Clemson

Do you need a license in SC to shape your body?

In the US, there is no federal certification, national board, or another national licensing requirement to be a body contouring professional or to run and provide non-invasive body contouring services. Since the federal government doesn’t have rules about it, you don’t need a federal license.

How much do they get paid estheticians to get paid in South Carolina?

$62,110. In 2024, the average salary for an esthetician or skin care specialist was $62,110.

Can I move to South Carolina with my esthetician license?

After paying a non-refundable fee of $60 to the State Board, you must download and fill out the endorsement form.

You must give a copy of your Social Security card. You have to show a copy of your passport or birth certificate. You must give a copy of your license from another state that you already have.

Conclusion

South Carolina’s esthetician program is unique. It also has a whole lot to offer. This could be because the state has four different seasons or because it has both cities and rural areas.

If you want to learn about the art and science of skskincareyou might enjoy being an esthetician. And the first step is to decide which school you want to go to. The best esthetician schools in South Carolina above can serve as a guy.