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Master the art of beauty.

In your cosmetology classes, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about hair, skin, and nails, and put it into practice in the salon-area classroom using cutting-edge products and techniques. With this hands-on experience under your belt, you’ll graduate as an adept cosmetologist ready to help clients feel good by looking even better.

What You'll Learn

Our cosmetology schooling consists of three main components: theory, business development, and practical instruction.

Become a Cosmetologist

  • Start by understanding the science of cosmetology — that is, the trichology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology of the practice. And, before delving into haircutting and styling techniques, coloring principles, and texture treatments, you’ll learn about bacteriology and hygienic salon practices. In your theory studies, you’ll also get familiar with skin and nail basics, which are foundational for hair removal, brow tinting, lash extension, and manicure/pedicure services. You’ll have the required number of core life sciences and cosmetology theory hours met in no time.

  • Learn how to put together a business plan, and gain experience with retail sales and financial planning. At the same time, you’ll enhance your client-building ability by cultivating your communication, customer service, networking, advertising, and marketing skills. Plus, understand and practice the principles of client retention.

  • Under the careful supervision and guidance of PCI Academy’s licensed educators, you’ll perform a range of hair styling and coloring services, hair treatments, facial and body waxing, brow design, makeup application, manicures, and pedicures for your clients. In the process, you’ll fulfill state requirements for supervised applied practical instruction hours.

What Awaits You

Your cosmetology school experience will open the door to all sorts of career opportunities in the beauty industry and beyond — from fashion to entertainment to media, just to name a few.

Specific roles include:

  • Hair Stylist
  • Color, Texture, or Treatment Specialist
  • Event Stylist
  • Makeup Artist
  • Lash/Brow Specialist
  • Product Distribution
  • Salon Owner
  • Brand Educator
  • Beauty Influencer

Cosmetology Program Locations

For specific information about our cosmetology program, including start dates and schedules, curriculum details, and tuition, select your campus.

Ames, IA Campus Iowa City, IA Campus Plymouth, MN Campus

Financing Your Dream Career

Consider this an investment in yourself.

Tuition

  • Ames and Iowa City, IA Cosmetology Training Program: $27,988
  • Plymouth, MN Cosmetology Training Program:  $24,988

PCI Academy offers 0% interest on monthly tuition payments. Tuition must be paid in full in order to graduate.

Fees

  • Application Fee: $100

Payment is due when you submit your enrollment application.

Financial Aid

Federal financial aid options like Pell Grants and direct loans are available for those who qualify.

Net Price Calculator Explore Financial Aid

Schedule Options

We know that starting your career in Cosmetology is a large commitment, both financially and time-wise. It is our goal to offer you schedule options that will fit your life right where you're at, whether you're starting your second career and need to work full-time while raising a family or your fresh out of high school or looking to get finished with your hours as soon as you can.

Click on the buttons below to explore the different schedule options we offer for our 20, 30, and 40 Hour options below!

Ames Schedule Options iowa city schedule options plymouth schedule options

Why PCI Academy?

At PCI Academy, we do more than educate. We’re here to support you and ensure your success every step of the way by offering:

  • Flexible Schedules
  • Business Training
  • One-on-One Coaching
  • Licensure Exam Fee Coverage
  • Job Placement Assistance
  • Free Continuing Education

Learn more

Our Campus Locations