Compare programs
Every number, side by side.
Two programs, two different Kansas licenses. Here's the whole picture — built to survive the kitchen-table conversation.
Program comparison
| Category | Cosmetology | Nail Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Clock hours | 1,500 hours | 350 continuous hours |
| Time to licensed | As little as 11 months | 3 months |
| Schedule | Full-time, Tue–Sat · 8:00–4:30 Tue/Wed/Fri · 11:00–7:30 Thu · designated Saturdays | Full-time, part of the same Tue–Sat academy schedule |
| Total cost, published | $18,900 — $100 registration + $2,800 books/kit + $16,000 tuition | $4,595 — $100 registration + $900 books/kit + $3,595 tuition |
| License you earn | Kansas cosmetology license (Kansas Board of Cosmetology) | Kansas nail technician license — its own license, not a subset |
| State exams | Written theory at 1,000 hours, practical at ~1,420 hours · 75% to pass · $75 per exam (Ergometrics) | Written + practical exams · 75% to pass · $75 per exam (Ergometrics) |
| Career paths | Salon Stylist · Self-employed Hairstylist · Barber · Brand Ambassador · Salon Owner/Manager · Barbershop Owner/Manager … | Salon Nail Technician · Self-employed Nail Artist · Spa Nail Specialist · Nail Salon Owner/Manager · Nail Educator |
| Next starts | October 2026 · February 2027 · May 2027 | October 2026 · February 2027 · May 2027 |
Every dollar figure is the published price — registration, books, kit, and equipment included. Financial aid is available to those who qualify; the full aid picture lives at Tuition & Aid.
Still torn?
Three ways to get unstuck.
Pick whichever answers it fastest for you.
-
Take the 60-second quiz
Five taps, no contact info required to see your match.
Start the quiz -
Read the full pages
Every hour, dollar, and career path — one program at a time.
Cosmetology Nail technology -
Tour a campus
Watch both floors work — the fastest way to know for sure.
Book my tour
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 instructors actually know you here. You're never just a number in a classroom.”