How Much Does Cosmetology School Cost?

At David Pressley School of Cosmetology, the estimated total cost of the cosmetology program is about $20,000, which breaks down to roughly $19,000 tuition, $850 for books and your student kit, and a $150 registration fee. You do not have to cover it all up front, either: Financial Aid is available to those who qualify, including federal grants and loans through the FAFSA®. This guide breaks down exactly what is included, what makes cosmetology school cost more or less, and the ways you can pay for it.

How much does cosmetology school cost at David Pressley?

The estimated total cost of attendance for the cosmetology program is about $20,000, covering tuition, books, the student kit, and registration. That figure is an estimate of the full program, not a per-semester bill, so it is easier to compare against other schools once you know what each one includes. The breakdown below shows where the money goes.

What does the cost include?

That total is not just class time. Here is what your investment covers:

• Tuition: classroom instruction, practical training in the student salon, educator support, and curriculum access.
• Student kit and books: mannequin heads, styling tools, combs, brushes, cutting shears, hair-coloring supplies, and textbooks you use for hands-on practice.
• Registration and administrative fees: enrollment and student services.

What affects the cost of cosmetology school?

If you compare schools, you will see a range of prices. The main drivers are:

• Private vs. public institution
• Program length and required training hours
• Geographic location
• The tools, kits, and services included in tuition

A lower sticker price sometimes leaves out the kit, books, or hands-on hours, so compare what is actually included, not just the headline number.

How can you pay for cosmetology school?

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see what federal grants and loans you may be eligible for.

• Federal grants: funds that do not have to be repaid, for those who qualify.
• Federal student loans: generally lower interest and flexible repayment.
• Scholarships: from industry organizations, community groups, and foundations.

The David Pressley admissions team can help you understand which options fit your situation and walk you through the paperwork.

Is cosmetology school worth the cost?

For many students, the value is in what the cost buys: a focused, hands-on education that prepares you to sit for your license and step into the beauty industry, usually in about a year of full-time study rather than several years of a traditional degree.

A cosmetology education can also open several paths, from working behind the chair to specializing in color, moving into makeup or skincare, or one day teaching. That flexibility is part of what makes the investment worthwhile for a lot of students.

Why David Pressley School of Cosmetology?

Beyond the numbers, where you train shapes what you get for your money:

• Two Michigan campuses: Royal Oak and Taylor.
• Hands-on training: real guests in the student salon, guided by licensed instructors.
• A kit you keep: the tools and books included in your cost are yours to build a career with.
• Help planning cost: estimate your situation with the Financial Aid Calculator, then talk it through with admissions. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

How can you lower the cost of cosmetology school?

The sticker price is not always what you pay. A few things can bring the real cost down:

• Federal aid: grants you do not repay and low-interest federal loans, for students who qualify, accessed through the FAFSA®.
• Scholarships: offered by industry organizations, community groups, and beauty foundations, often for small amounts that add up.
• Payment planning: the admissions team can help you structure how you pay across the program rather than all at once.
• Choosing the right program length: matching your schedule to how quickly you can realistically attend avoids paying for time you cannot use.

Start with the Financial Aid Calculator to estimate your own situation, then talk it through with admissions. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

Is cosmetology school worth the investment?

For many students the value is in what the cost buys: a focused, hands-on education that prepares you to sit for your license and step into the beauty industry, usually in about a year of full-time study rather than several years of a traditional degree.

A cosmetology education can also open several directions, from working behind the chair to specializing in color, moving into makeup or skincare, or one day teaching. That flexibility, plus a kit and tools you keep, is part of what makes the investment pay off for a lot of students.

It also helps to compare the timeline. A cosmetology license takes roughly a year of full-time study, far less than a traditional two or four-year degree, which means less time paying for school and sooner that you can begin working in the field. When you weigh the cost, weigh it against how quickly the training can lead to paid work, not just the total on paper.

What do cosmetology graduates go on to do?

It helps to see the cost against what the education can lead to. A cosmetology license is flexible, and graduates build careers in many directions:

• Salon stylist: cutting, coloring, and styling, often starting on commission and building a clientele.
• Color or texture specialist: focusing on the services you enjoy most as you gain experience.
• Makeup or skincare services: broadening what you offer clients across salons and spas.
• Salon ownership or booth rental: running your own business once you have built a following.
• Education: becoming an instructor and training the next generation.

A single tuition investment opens all of these doors, which is a big part of why students weigh the cost against the range of paths it unlocks rather than the number alone.

Next step: Want a personalized estimate? Use the Financial Aid Calculator and ask David Pressley admissions about your options for the cosmetology program. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

Frequently asked questions

How much does cosmetology school cost at David Pressley?

The estimated total cost of the cosmetology program is about $20,000: roughly $19,000 tuition, $850 for books and the student kit, and a $150 registration fee.

Does financial aid cover cosmetology school?

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Federal grants and loans accessed through the FAFSA®, plus scholarships, can help cover the cost. Complete the FAFSA® at studentaid.gov to see what you qualify for.

What is included in cosmetology school tuition?

Tuition covers instruction, practical training, and curriculum. The student kit and books (mannequin heads, tools, shears, coloring supplies, textbooks) and a registration fee are billed separately, for an estimated total of about $20,000.

How long does cosmetology school take?

Michigan requires 1,500 hours. Full-time students can complete the required hours in roughly a year before sitting for the state exam.

Is financial aid hard to get for cosmetology school?

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. The process starts with the FAFSA®, and the David Pressley admissions team can help you complete it and understand which grants, loans, and scholarships you may be eligible for.