Are you searching for the best beauty schools in Indiana near you? If you’re seeking a career as a beauty specialist in Indiana, then this is the ultimate guide for you! In this article, you’ll find insider tips on locating the best cosmetology schools in Indiana near you, as well as basic information about the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology Licensing requirements.
Indiana State Board of Cosmetology Schools:
Table of Contents
- What is Cosmetology?
- How to Find the Best Cosmetology Schools in Indiana
- Indiana State Board of Cosmetology Requirements for Cosmetology Licensing
(How to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist) - Contact Info for the Indiana State Board of Cosmetologists and Barbers
- How to Reduce Cosmetology School Tuition in Indiana
(And Possibly Go to Cosmetology School for Free?!) - Similar Beauty School Licenses in Indiana
What is Cosmetology?
One simple definition of cosmetology, according to Wikipedia, is “the study and application of beauty treatment.” However, that definition barely scratches the surface of what it means to be a cosmetologist. As you probably are aware, there are many different facets to this specialty. Accordingly, accredited cosmetology training programs prepare students for a truly wide range of tasks.
These include:
- Hairstyling, cutting, and coloring
- Manicures, pedicures, and all Nail Technician Responsibilities
- Makeup Artistry
- Hair removal via electrolysis, sugaring, waxing, and intense pulsed light
- Esthetics and skin care procedures (including light massage techniques)
In addition to these beauty techniques, cosmetology courses also focus on business skills and ethics. Course material also covers the different types of products that students will need to use throughout their cosmetology career. This includes hair styling gels, makeup, different types of waxes, and much more!
As you can see, cosmetology is a very broad field of study. As a student, you’ll be learning about hair, skin, and nail care. Unsurprisingly, a cosmetology license is the single beauty license that requires the most training hours. According to the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology, students must complete 1,500 training hours before taking the cosmetology board exam.
How to Find the Best Cosmetology Schools in Indiana
Accredited by the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology
We know how difficult it can be to figure out which ones are the best cosmetology schools in Indiana. You type “best cosmetology schools near me” only to sift through pages of boring advertisements and spam. Also, it’s tough to find the beauty schools that fit your specific needs – for example, night time classes or financial aid.
Therefore, in order to avoid wasting time, we suggest using Campus Explorer. It’s a tool that takes your own personal preferences and then generates a custom list of the top cosmetology programs near you. We like this because it’s a risk-free tool with no strings attached, and the results are nearly instantaneous!
Simply enter your information in the handy-dandy toolbar below. Soon, you’ll receive emails with insider tips on the best local cosmetology schools in Indiana that fit your needs.
The cherry on top is that this is completely free. There’s no commitment! Accordingly, you can unsubscribe from Campus Explorer’s mailing list whenever you want. This is why it’s such a risk-free way to quickly find the best cosmetology schools for your lifestyle.
Indiana State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements
(How to Get a Cosmetology License in IN)
In order to become a cosmetologist in Indiana, you must complete a few steps, as required by the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
1. Attend an Accredited Cosmetology School
The first step is to enroll in an accredited cosmetology school in Indiana. Throughout the duration of your time at school, you must complete 1,500 cosmetology training hours. (Alternatively, if you opt for a different type of beauty license, then you will have less training hours… but likely a lower salary.)
Your cosmetology classes will consist of hands-on instruction in a salon, as well as classroom instruction. Both are vital parts of your cosmetology education.
In order to receive your cosmetology license in Indiana, you must be at least 18 years old and have finished school through a minimum of the eleventh grade.
2. Take the Indiana State Board Cosmetology Exam
Next, it’s time to take the Indiana Cosmetology State Board Test. Cosmetology students in Indiana may register for both the practical and theory portions of the exam through Pearson Vue.
Related: How to Pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam (Free Exam Practice Test & Study Guide)
3. Apply for a License via the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology
After passing the Indiana Cosmetology Board Exam, it’s time to apply for your official cosmetology license. To do so, you must contact the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. and fill out an application. You can either submit the application online or mail it.
4. Renew Your Cosmetology License Every 4 Years
Cosmetologists in Indiana must renew their licenses every four years, and the deadline is August 1st. The license renewal fee is $40. Make sure to stay on top of this, because the stakes are high if you let your license lapse for too long. After three years of being expired, you’ll be required to take the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology exam all over again!
Cosmetology License Transfer (Reciprocity)
in Indiana
The Indiana State Board of Cosmetology examines applications for out-of-state cosmetology license transfers and makes decisions on a case-by-case basis. If your home state’s cosmetology training requirements were equal to or as high as Illinois’s standards, the board may endorse you. If you want to transfer your cosmetology license to Illinois from another state, you must contact the board to request approval. In your application, make sure to include proof of education from an accredited cosmetology program, as well as proof of licensed cosmetology work experience. The transfer application fee is $40.
Searching for the Best Cosmetology Schools in IL:
Cost, Tuition, and Scholarships
Since we get asked the same questions quite often, we decided to compile a list of answers to the most popular questions about cosmetology school. Below, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about cosmetology programs in the US.
How much does it cost to go to cosmetology school?
When you think of how much it costs to become a cosmetologist, the first thought that probably pops into your mind is tuition. And rightfully so! That is by far the largest expense to consider. Tuition can range from $5,000 to $25,000 and beyond, depending on where you go.
Additionally, here are some more costs to consider:
- Cosmetology School Kit (Supplies)
- Cost of Cosmetology State Board Exam
- License Application Fee
- Study Guides and Practice Tests
Fortunately, federal financial aid is available at certain beauty schools. To enumerate, a school with accreditation from the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, will have Pell cosmetology grants as well as federal financial aid assistance. Stafford Loans are also an option.
Without a doubt, the costs are worth the money. Cosmetology is a meaningful career. Also, the chances are high that you’ll find a good paying cosmetology job soon after graduation.
Can you tell me how to go to cosmetology school for free?
Ah, the old “please tell me the secret of how to go to cosmetology school for free!” This is a tough question to answer with a complete “yes” or “no.”
Although it’s true that cosmetology school tuition can be difficult to pay for, it is possible for you to make it work.
And depending on your financial situation, you may even be able to receive loans and/or grants for all of your tuition and related expenses.
In order to receive Federal Financial Aid, you need to be attending an accredited institution. Although Student Federal Loans usually require repayment, they typically ask for very small payments. Depending on your income level, they may pardon you for a period of time until you’re back on your feet financially.
Here are some tips to help you cover the cost of cosmetology school:
- Cosmetology Classes for High School Students: Typically, the school has something worked out with the district. So, to put it plainly: you may be getting free cosmetology school by attending classes through a high school program.
- Apply to School-Specific Scholarships for Cosmetology School. On The best thing to do first is check to see if your school offers scholarships. For example, Paul Mitchell schools offer scholarships exclusively for Paul Mitchell students.
- Consider Going to School Part-Time. This way, you’ll have time to work at a part-time job to generate some income while you’re still in school.
- Apply for grant and scholarship programs in the beauty industry. The American Association of Cosmetology Schools partners with industry supporters. The reason for this is to make scholarships and/or grants available to students who qualify. They call this the ‘Beauty Changes Lives Foundation,’ and the amount of donations they gather is impressive.In order to learn more, check out Beauty Changes Lives. Another national cosmetology scholarship program is available through the Professional Beauty Association.
List of Free Cosmetology Grants Across the Industry
We want you to realize that going to cosmetology school can and will happen, even if the price is scaring you. This is because there are many organizations within the beauty industry that offer grants freely.
However, you don’t have to just take my word for it! Below, you’ll find a lengthy list of cosmetology grants and scholarships that are made available by partners in the beauty industry.
Why don’t you take a look and see if anything could work out for you?
- OPI Scholarship
- Sally Beauty Scholarships
- Sport Clips Scholarship
- Dream Shears/Trade Essentials Scholarship
- Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts Makeup Scholarship
- Pat Goins Memorial Scholarship
- American Health and Beauty Aids Institute Scholarship
- Minnesota’s Model College of Hair Design Grants
- Oregon Student Assistance Commission Grants
- Vernon’s Kansas School of Cosmetology Grants
- John Pelloni Memorial Scholarship
- Maureen Baldwin Cosmetology Scholarship
- Walla Wall Community College, Washington
- Joe Francis Hair-Care Scholarship Foundation
- Alice Madden Barton Cosmetology Scholarship Program
- NCEA Esthetician Scholarship
- “Education Rocks” Scholarship
- Massage Magazine Scholarship Program
As you can see, there are many scholarships and grants available! Tuition shouldn’t ever be what keeps you from pursuing your dream.
More Beauty Schools in Indiana
The cosmetology schools in IN are outstanding, especially if you want a cosmetology school that prepares you to get a full cosmetology license.
But what if you want something more specialized, like a Nail Technician License or an Esthetician License? Luckily, Indiana is still a great place to be!
Below, you’ll find schools that prepare you for different beauty licenses in Illinois:
- The Best Barbering Schools in Indiana to Get Your Barber License
- Beginner’s Guide to Finding the Best Esthetician Schools in IL
- Hair Stylist Schools
- Makeup Schools
- Nail Technician/Manicurist Schools
- Massage Therapy Schools
Best Cosmetology Schools in Illinois:
Your Turn!
You have totally got this! Especially now that you know about the relatively simple Illinois State Board of Cosmetology licensing requirements and costs. It’s a clear-cut path, with a lot of people who want to help you succeed in your industry!
So, we dare you. Take that leap of faith and reach out to a few admissions offices today. Or, if you’re still searching for the best cosmetology school in Illinois, use Campus Explorer to speed things up.
You’ll be glad you did! Congratulations on taking ownership of your future, and thanks for dropping by TFC.