Students with client in WCTC Style & Class Salon

Cosmetology

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Program Information
Schedule Options

Degree Type
37-credit Technical Diploma

Program Code
31-502-1

Time to Degree
1 or 2 years

Start Date
August / January

How You'll Learn

On Campus
8-Week Courses
Daytime
Evening
Part-Time
Full-Time

This program is 1,550 hours and is offered in both part-time and full-time sequences.

Full-time students can:

Take classes during the daytime. Typically classes are scheduled Monday through Friday during the daytime (approximately 40 hours per week).
Complete this program in 10 months.
Begin this program in the fall or spring semester.

Part-time students can:

Take classes during the evening. Typically classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturdays during the daytime.
Complete this program in 16 months.
Begin this program in the fall or spring semester.

Contact an enrollment counselor if you have any questions about scheduling options.

Those working in cosmetology have a taste for style, helping clients enhance their experience and look their best. Combine theory with practice to study haircutting, styling, color, perm waving, chemical relaxing, and learn about nail and skin care. Learn business aspects of working in a salon, including professional and personal development, communication and Wisconsin law.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

Program iPad (128GB): Purchase or rent through the WCTC Bookstore
Cosmetology Kit: $2,500 plus tax
State board exam: $400
Lab access: $365

How To Apply

Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading or writing skills:
- High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
- ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
- Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
- If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Apply Online

Program Details

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Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Potential Careers

If you enjoy experimenting with hair and nail techniques, have a creative eye and strong people skills, a career in cosmetology may be for you. Those in this field need to have good manual dexterity and stamina as they stand for long stretches of time, and they perform specialty services that require attention to detail.

Hair Stylist
Cosmetologist
Spa Services Provider
Makeup Artist
Cosmetology Retail Sales

High School Eligibility

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Please note:

To take the state licensing exam, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a high school graduate or have attained high school graduation equivalency.
You are required to obtain licensing within one year of completing this program.
Occasional overnight travel to trade shows is optional but beneficial.

Learn more >

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Cosmetology program.

Career Salaries

$21,400 – $42,000 annually, plus potential commission and tip opportunities

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

Financial Aid

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

Financial aid loans
Scholarships
Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Program Courses

Education and Human Services Programs

What Makes This Program Unique

WCTC's Style & Class Salon and Spa is a full-service salon operated by the Cosmetology program. Students learn in this hands-on environment by servicing guests.
Graduates of this program have achieved a 100% pass rate on the Wisconsin State Licensing Exam for Cosmetology since 2009.
Participate in hair shows, community service, and industry-sponsored events to begin developing your professional network for employment.

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More Credit Opportunities

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

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You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

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