Choosing the Right Cosmetology School
The right cosmetology school in Kansas is licensed by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology, accredited, clear about its total price, and ready to show you its graduation, job placement and licensure rates. Ask every school the same questions on your tour, write the answers down, and compare them side by side. Here are the questions, with Hays Academy of Hair Design’s own answers.
Getting a License in Kansas
Is the school licensed by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology? Only hours at a school the Kansas Board of Cosmetology licenses count toward a Kansas license. At Hays Academy the cosmetology program is 1,500 hours and the nail technology program is 350 hours. You graduate, then sit for your Kansas state board exams. Hays Academy is licensed by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology at both campuses.
Accreditation
Is the school accredited, and by whom? Accreditation enables federal financial aid participation and means the school meets national education standards. Hays Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).
Considering the Total Cost
What is the all-in price, and which programs qualify for aid? At Hays Academy, cosmetology is $18,900 and nail technology is $4,595, each including registration, books, kit and equipment. Federal aid is available to those who qualify. The Nail Technology program does not qualify for financial aid. The cost guide itemizes both.
Compare Us to the Competition
What are the school’s graduation, job placement and licensure rates? Ask each school for the rates in its most recent NACCAS annual report and compare like with like. In the 2024 NACCAS Annual Report, Hays Academy reported a 88.89% graduation rate, a 83.91% job placement rate and a 100% licensure pass rate. The outcomes page breaks them down by campus and program.
Choosing the Size of Your Classes
How big are the classes? At Hays Academy, never more than 25 students in a class.
Transfer Policy
If you have trained before, how many hours transfer? Up to 1,000 hours can transfer in at Hays Academy, after a skills and knowledge evaluation.
Learn How to Enroll
When are the start dates, and what do you need to enroll? Hays Academy starts classes four times a year, in February, May, August and November, at both campuses. You need to be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, and a $100 registration payment holds your seat.
Schedule a Tour
Call the Hays campus at (785) 628-6624 or the Salina campus at (785) 833-2280, or contact us. On a tour you walk through the facilities, meet staff, and go over admission requirements together.