If your dream is to become a cosmetologist, step one is to find a Houston cosmetology school that will provide you with the best beauty education possible. But what most people tend to overlook is the fact that planning your beauty career starts with understanding the investment required. If you’re researching cosmetology school cost in Houston, you’re probably wondering about tuition, hidden fees, financial aid options, and whether beauty school is worth the expense.
We at Houston Training Schools are here to answer all your questions about the cost of cosmetology school so you can make an informed decision about your future and choose the right program and school for you.
How much does cosmetology school cost?
Cosmetology school typically costs between $10,000 – $17,000, depending on the institution and what is included in your program.
The cost of beauty school varies significantly based on several factors including:
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Program length
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Geographic location
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School reputation
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What’s included in tuition (tools, products, kits, etc.)
National averages range from around $6,500 on the very low end to upwards of $20,000 for premium programs in major cities. Most accredited programs fall somewhere in the $10,000 – $15,000 range.
How much does it cost to go to cosmetology school in Houston?
So, how much is cosmetology school in my area? The average cost of cosmetology school in Houston is in the same range as above. Houston Training Schools offers a well-rounded cosmetology education for $11,350, which is less expensive than national schools like Paul Mitchell or Ogle — some of which don’t even post transparent pricing on their website.
As an exclusive CHI Partner School, Houston Training Schools offers:
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Bilingual instruction
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Small class sizes with personalized attention
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Natural hair training for diverse clientele
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Flexible scheduling options
When comparing tuition costs at different institutions, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples — some schools advertise low tuition but charge separately for kits, products, registration fees, and other “extras” that can add thousands to your final cost.
Keep reading: How much is barber school?
What does cosmetology school tuition cover?
Understanding what’s included in your cosmetology school cost is crucial to avoiding surprise expenses. At Houston Training Schools, your $11,350 tuition covers:
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Complete 1,000-hour curriculum including theory and hands-on training (Keep reading: How long is cosmetology school?)
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Professional-grade CHI tools and beauty products
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Student kit with everything you need for training
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Textbooks and educational materials
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Access to practicing on real clients
Some schools charge separately for items like mannequin heads, styling tools, product kits, uniforms, state exam fees, or even parking. These hidden costs can add $1,000 – $3,000 to your total investment. Always ask for a complete breakdown of expenses before signing anything. If a school’s advertised price seems too good to be true, dig deeper — you might find the actual cost is much higher once all fees are included.
Can I get financial aid for cosmetology school?
Yes! Many cosmetology schools offer federal financial aid, scholarships, payment plans, and grants to help students afford their education without graduating in debt.
The cost of cosmetology school shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing your passion. Houston Training Schools is proud to be one of the few cosmetology schools that accept financial aid in Houston, offering multiple options to make beauty education accessible:
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Federal financial aid: As an accredited institution, our students can apply for federal student aid through FAFSA, including Pell Grants (which don’t need to be repaid).
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Cosmetology scholarships: We offer cosmetology scholarships to qualifying students based on merit, need, or specific criteria. Scholarships are essentially a gift, meaning you don’t have to pay them back. Ask our admissions team about current scholarship opportunities and application deadlines.
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Payment plans: Can’t pay the full tuition upfront? We offer flexible payment plans that let you spread the cost of beauty school over several months, making it more manageable for your budget.
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Grants and state programs: Texas offers various workforce development grants and programs designed to help residents access career training. Our financial aid team can help you identify programs you might qualify for.
Don’t let cost be the barrier between you and your dream job. We’re committed to helping you graduate debt-free so you can start your career off on the right foot.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Texas?
Getting your Texas cosmetology license costs $50 for the application fee, plus the fees for your exams, which can vary depending on which testing service you use.
After completing your 1,000 required hours of cosmetology school, you’ll need to obtain your official license to work legally in Texas. Here’s the breakdown of those costs:
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Written and practical exam: To get your license, you must pass both a written theory exam and a hands-on practical exam. Exam fees range from approximately $58 – $127, depending on which approved testing provider you choose (PSI or NIC). These fees are paid directly to the testing company and cover both portions of the exam.
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License application fee: Once you have passed both the written and practical cosmetology exams, you must pay a $50 non-refundable application fee to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to apply for your license.
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License renewal: After you receive your license, you’ll need to renew it every two years. The renewal fee is typically $63 and requires you to complete continuing education hours.
Budget approximately $108 – $177 for your initial licensing expenses beyond your school tuition. While this might seem like another expense on top of your cost of cosmetology school, remember that this license is your ticket to a lifelong career with strong earning potential.
Houston Training Schools prepares you thoroughly for both the written and practical exams, with graduates consistently achieving high pass rates (90%). Our instructors ensure you’re confident and exam-ready, in hopes that you won’t have to pay for multiple exam attempts.
Is the cost of beauty school worth it?
Absolutely! Investing in quality cosmetology education provides structured training, industry connections, hands-on experience, and licensing preparation that lead to better career opportunities and higher earning potential throughout your life.
Let’s address the big question: Is the cosmetology school cost really worth it? Does it really matter where you get your cosmetology education? Yes, it is worth it — and yes, it does matter.
Here is why the cost of beauty school is worth it:
Return on investment (ROI)
Let’s talk numbers: The beauty industry offers strong earning potential. Entry-level cosmetologists in Houston earn $25,000 – $35,000 annually, but experienced professionals with established clientele can earn $50,000 – $75,000 or more. Specialized services like color correction, extensions, or working in high-end salons can push earnings even higher. If you invest $11,350 in your education and earn $40,000 – $50,000 per year afterward, you can recoup your investment quickly.
Flexibility and freedom
Having a job in cosmetology offers incredible schedule flexibility that you may not find in other professions. You can work full-time in a salon, rent a booth and set your own hours, work part-time while raising a family, or even travel as a platform artist. Few careers offer this level of control over your work-life balance.
Recession-proof career
Hear us out. People always need haircuts, color services, and beauty treatments — even during economic downturns. Your cosmetology education provides job security that many careers can’t match.
Creative fulfillment
If you’re passionate about beauty, cosmetology lets you turn that passion into your livelihood. The satisfaction of making clients feel beautiful and confident is something you can’t put a price on.
Do not settle for the cheapest cosmetology school in Texas just to save a few thousand dollars. Your education is worth the investment. A quality program with experienced instructors, comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, and strong industry connections sets you up for success. The cheapest option might leave you underprepared for licensing exams, lacking crucial skills like natural hair training, or missing important business knowledge that helps you build a thriving career.
How does cosmetology school cost compare to other beauty programs?
Cosmetology programs cost more than specialized programs like barbering, nail technology, or esthetics because they cover a broader range of services and require more training hours. Let’s compare the costs of programs at Houston Training Schools:
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Cosmetology (1,000 hours): $11,350 — covers hair, makeup, nails, and skincare
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Barbering (1,000 hours): $11,350 — specializes in men’s grooming and cutting
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Nail Technology (600 hours): $8,200 — focuses exclusively on nail services
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Esthetics (750 hours): $10,225 — specializes in skincare and facial treatments
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Eyelash Extension Specialist (320 hours): $3,380 — specialized lash application training
In short, the cost of cosmetology school is higher because you’re learning multiple disciplines, making it the most versatile license in the beauty industry.
Curious about cosmetology school cost? Invest in your future with Houston Training Schools
We understand that the idea of cosmetology school cost may stress some potential students out — but it shouldn’t be that way. At Houston Training Schools, we believe education should be both accessible and excellent. That’s why we offer comprehensive training at a competitive price with financial aid options — you get quality education without breaking the bank. Plus, we’re a more affordable option than most colleges that offer cosmetology classes.
Remember, we’re not the cheapest cosmetology school in Texas, but we are definitely one of the best. A quality education to kickstart your future is worth every penny.
Don’t let cost concerns hold you back from pursuing your passion. Whether you want to apply for cosmetology scholarships or can only be enrolled part-time, we will work with you to ensure that you can complete your program at your own pace.
Apply online today or schedule a campus tour and learn more about how we can help you launch your dream career without the financial stress. Your future in beauty is closer and more affordable than you think!
More Helpful Articles by Houston Training Schools:
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6 Reasons to Enroll in Cosmetology Schools in Houston
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Debunking 7 Myths About Beauty School
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FAQs About Our Student Beauty Clinic Services Answered
