College or Cosmetology School

Updated September 24, 2026 · 4-minute read

Cosmetology school is a licensed career path, and for a student who wants to work in hair, skin and nails it is a real alternative to college. At Hays Academy of Hair Design a cosmetology student trains for 1,500 hours, finishes in as little as 11 months full-time, pays a published $18,900 all-in, then sits for the Kansas state board exams. Here is what a parent can check before anyone signs.

How to Decide Between College and Cosmetology School?

Start with what your student wants to do every day. Cosmetology school trains one career: cutting, color, styling, chemical services, skin care, makeup and nail care, plus communication and business skills, on a full-time schedule of Tuesday through Friday plus one required Saturday a month. Students work on real clients in the supervised student salon. All services are performed by supervised students.

Accreditation

Hays Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and licensed by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. Accreditation enables federal financial aid participation and means the school meets national education standards.

Considering the Total Cost

The cosmetology program is $18,900 in total: $100 registration, $2,800 books, kit and equipment, and $16,000 tuition. Federal aid is available to those who qualify. Filling out the FAFSA can help determine eligibility for Pell Grants and other types of federal loans; the financial aid guide explains each one. The Nail Technology program does not qualify for financial aid.

Compare Us to the Competition

Ask any school for its outcome rates. 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 shows them by campus and program, with the required disclosures.

Have Questions?

Parents are part of this decision, and admissions will answer your questions directly. Call the Hays campus at (785) 628-6624 or the Salina campus at (785) 833-2280, or read the parents page.

Reading done. Questions left?

Text with a real person about cost, start dates, and whether this path fits, no pressure, no spam.

Hays Campus: (785) 628-6624 · text us
Salina Campus: (785) 833-2280 · text us

“The owners and instructors truly seem to care about our success in school and afterwards. They help you build habits and character that will last a lifetime.”

Bailey J.

“They made me feel like one of their own. I can definitely see why they say “Welcome to the family”.”

Lexie R.

“I have made so many accomplishments in my short time here, and made some lifelong friends along the way.”

Kylie M. · Salina campus

“I toured at Hays Academy and it was the perfect fit for me. After starting they soon became family.”

Tori D. · Hays campus

“I was nervous. But I quickly felt like part of the family, it was like my second home.”

Kari N. · Hays campus

“The teachers were great and always there when I needed something.”

Paige P. · Salina campus

“Hays Academy is a well-rounded and friendly community… it changed my life for the better.”

Erica Schultz · Hays campus

“Hays Academy of Hair Design is a GREAT place to go to school!”

Sydney Fellhoelter · Hays campus

“As a part of the Hays Academy of Hair Design family I would recommend the school to anyone.”

Evangel Goossen · Salina campus

“The instructors challenged me, supported me, and helped shape me into the stylist I am today. The hands-on training and real client experience truly prepared me for the salon environment.”

Kayla C. · Hays campus

“I’ve learned that it’s never too late to invest in yourself, chase a passion, and start something new.”

Brenda M. · Hays campus

“One of the best schools to prepare you for the salon. Both in technical skill and personal mindset. Such a loving and welcoming staff that really make it exciting to go to school everyday!”

Cali R. · Hays campus

“I came in to school ready to kick butt. When my health hit I felt like giving up. They staff and students gave me the strength and motivation to keep on going and I finished strong with them all by my side!!”

Kenna P. · Hays campus

“Not only are you taught each service procedure in multiple ways but the teachers got your back. They don’t let you fail!”

Crystal D. · Salina campus

“I’ve enjoyed my time here and the staff is super helpful, caring, and loving. They lift you up and guide you in the right direction. Thanks to all of you, I’ve enjoyed my time here and would do it again if I had to.”

Zach D. · Salina campus

“Coming to Hays Academy my eyes were truly opened to what this industry truly is, and the way instructors should be.”

Sabrina O. · Salina campus

“This school has absolutely completely prepared me for my state tests and also prepared me for life as a stylist in a salon.”

Hannah E. · Salina campus

“My time at the school was a rollercoaster. The staff was always understanding. They were there to listen and willing to work with me. I will forever cherish my time at Hays Hair Academy.”

Katie W. · Hays campus

“I appreciate all the hard work the instructors and students put in. I would like to thank the instructors for prepping me for the salon world and the state boards. I would also like to thank them for pushing me and making sure I had everything I needed.”

Carmen C. · Salina campus

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