Cosmetology
Become a stylist
- Hours
- 1,500
- Time
- ~11 months
- All-in cost
- $18,900
- Next start
- October 2026
Programs
Two programs.
Your license. Your chair.
Cosmetology and nail technology each earn their own Kansas license — pick the craft, and we'll get you to the state boards.
Side by side
The kitchen-table comparison.
| Fact | Cosmetology | Nail Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Clock hours | 1,500 | 350 |
| Time to licensed | ~11 months | 3 months |
| Schedule | Full-time, Tue–Sat | Full-time |
| Total cost, published | $18,900 | $4,595 |
| License you earn | Kansas cosmetology license | Kansas nail technician license |
| You'll work as | Stylist, colorist, salon owner… | Nail artist, spa tech, salon owner… |
| Next start | October 2026 | October 2026 |
Still deciding?
A one-minute gut check.
Pick cosmetology if…
You want the whole craft — cutting, color, skin, and nails — and a license that opens every door in the salon. It's the bigger commitment (~11 months) and the bigger toolbox.
Pick nail technology if…
Nails are the thing. You want to be licensed and earning this season — 3 months, $4,595, done. (And if you fall in love with the rest, cosmetology is right here.)
Fastest way to know for sure: come tour a campus and watch both floors work.
Start here — no pressure, no spam.
Tell us what you're into and we'll text you real answers: cost, start dates, and a tour invite.
Ok — check your texts. 💌
Randi will text you real answers — cost, start dates, and a tour invite. No spam, no pressure.
Randi Gerstner
Admissions Director — she's the one texting you.
Skip the wait: call Hays at (785) 628-6624 or Salina at (785) 833-2280.
- 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 do so much more than just preparing you for your state board exams. They help you build habits and character that will last a lifetime.”