Cosmetology Programs
Cosmetology Program - Columbia, SC
We educate and train our students (or as we call them, Future Professionals) to begin their careers in the beauty industry as licensed cosmetologists. Future Professionals are guided by our Learning Leaders through the cosmetology program’s three levels—Core, Adaptive, and Creative—taking on more advanced techniques and building real-world skills and confidence as they move through each stage. Our cosmetology program curriculum includes Paul Mitchell Advanced Education’s proprietary Cutting System, Color System, Texture System, Short Hair System, and Makeup System.
Our Program Levels
Level 1: Core
Level 2: Adaptive
Level 3: Creative
Phase Two
Level 1: Core
Begin your journey in the safety and comfort of a classroom to learn the foundational theory and technical basics essential for all Paul Mitchell programs. In the Core phase, you’ll work exclusively with simulated products and mannequins, allowing you to focus on developing your skills without the pressure of live models. This phase includes micro-exercises and bite-sized tasks, simulating real-world scenarios to build your confidence and proficiency. You’ll receive close, attentive coaching from Learning Leaders to understand the fundamental principles and practical applications of your chosen program, setting a solid foundation for your future learnin
Technical Areas Covered Include:
- Braiding, up-styling and finishing
- Perming and smoothing hair
- Hair coloring and lightening
- Precision haircutting skills
- Manicure, pedicure, makeup and facials
- And much more
Level 2: Adaptive
Start bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the Adaptive phase. In this phase, in addition to working on mannequins, you will incorporate the use of real chemical products and live models for the first time. This hands-on experience is designed to help you apply the skills and techniques you learned in the Core phase in a real-world setting. You’ll begin completing full exercises, from full applications to creating complete looks, all under close supervision. This phase focuses on developing and honing your practical skills, ensuring you are adept at handling real clients and situations. It’s a crucial step in building your confidence and competence in a salon environment.
Areas Covered Include:
- Practice on real people in a salon-like environment
- Perfect your skills with help from Learning Leaders
Level 3: Creative
It’s your time to shine and work toward a career-ready future in the Creative phase. Here, you’ll take on more independent work, exploring your creativity and mastering advanced skills. The focus shifts to perfecting speed, timing, and frequency of your services, pushing you to work more efficiently while maintaining high quality. You’ll continue to practice and apply what you’ve learned in the Adaptive phase, but with an added emphasis on speed and precision. This phase is designed to prepare you for the state board exam to gain licensure.
Areas Covered Include:
- Work independently (under the supervision of a Learning Leader)
- Prepare a career portfolio
- Prepare to pass the State Board test
- Develop speed and prepare to start your career
Phase Two
An optional course of intensive study within the Cosmetology program for those Future Professionals who want to be challenged to their highest level of performance. Phase Two students get advanced training and work in conditions that mimic salon reality. By planning, managing and setting team goals, and going that extra mile, you’ll learn to create your own success.
The Phase Two program features:
- A progressive clinic classroom setting environment
- Accelerated guest booking and double-booking
- Team-based guest service systems
- Personal and team goal setting for services and Take Home
- Refinement of creative technical skills
- High level of independence in decision making
- Collaborative and consultative relationship with the Phase Two Leader
- Special Phase Two guest artists
- Guest management training
- Coaching on advanced Take Home and service skills
Student Kit
One of the most exciting days for our Future Professionals is the day they get to unwrap their very own professional kit. It’s packed with all the essentials—hot styling tools, mannequin heads, combs and brushes, scissors and clips, and much more—so you’re ready to succeed in school and launch your dream career.
Digital Support
When you have the latest technology and resources at your fingertips, you’ll be more successful in school and in your career. Future Professionals have on-the-go access to schoolwork, advice from industry leaders, Paul Mitchell cutting and coloring apps, our exclusive Business Fundamentals: Connecting to My Future curriculum and much more.
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CONSUMER INFORMATION
Learn more about our graduation, placement, and licensure rates, and much more.
OUR COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM
We offer varying cosmetology program options. See below for more details on each of them.
Cosmetology
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
School Supplies, Kit, and Tuition Costs
Columbia Campus
| TUITION — Cosmetology (Without Digital Kit) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $18,500.00 |
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | 25.00 |
| Registration Fee (non-refundable) | 75.00 |
| Technical Kit* | 1,950.00 |
| Textbook (non-refundable) | 425.00 |
| Sales tax (non-refundable) | 166.25 |
| TOTAL COSTS | $21,141.25 |
| TUITION — Cosmetology (With Digital Kit) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $18,500.00 |
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | 25.00 |
| Registration Fee (non-refundable) | 75.00 |
| Technical Kit* | 1,950.00 |
| Textbook (non-refundable) | 425.00 |
| Digital Kit (non-refundable) | 475.00 |
| Sales tax (non-refundable) | 199.50 |
| TOTAL COSTS | $21,649.50 |
Credit/Debit Card Convenience Fee of 2.5% for credit card tuition payments. Credit card payments must be paid through the school’s Compuwerx portal.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
School Required Hours
Commitment to Complete Program: 1500 hours
WHEN CAN I GET STARTED?
Ready to get started? Here are our upcoming start dates for this program:
- 6-9-2025 Part-time Cosmetology
- 6-16-2025 Full-time Cosmetology
- 8-4-2025 Full-time Cosmetology
- 9-8-2025 Part-time Cosmetology
- 9-22-2025 Full-time Cosmetology
- 11-10-2025 Full-time Cosmetology
STUDENT EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
- The Cutting System App
- The Color System App
- The Style and Texture System App
- The Barber and Short Hair System App
- The Skill Cards App
- The Makeup System App
- Plugged In App
- Connecting to My Future App
- Be Nice or Else iBook ISBN-13: 978-0-974-993-99-7
- Makeup Portfolio
- The Mini-Color Swatch Book
Transfer students are responsible to purchase the education kit at an additional cost from the tuition. The cost of the education kit is $700.00.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
1 Milady CIMA App ISBN-13: 978-1-305-63202-8, $425.00
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Funding Your Education
Curious about your future as a cosmetologist? There are a wide variety of financial aid options out there—and we’re here to help you find them. Get information about tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and more from our helpful Columbia Financial Aid Leader.
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