Cosmetology (1,500 Hours)

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette is a supportive community where up-and-coming beauty talent hone their creativity and craft. Our Cosmetology program in historic downtown Lafayette has been a launching pad for countless grads who have gone on to transform themselves into successful hair and beauty professionals in all parts of Louisiana and beyond.

If you’re ready to discover your potential and begin a journey to your new career, come learn more about this incredible program.

In our Cosmetology program at the Lafayette campus, you’ll gain world-class cosmetology education, full stop. Our students get a thorough hands-on and theory introduction to hair cutting, styling, coloring, as well as to manicuring, facials, and more. In addition to learning techniques for basic and advanced services, you’ll also learn to use the acclaimed Aveda line of natural plant and flower-based products.

We also dive into the personal and business skills you’ll need to work in, manage, or even own a salon or beauty retail location. You’ll cover basic sanitation and legal practices to ensure you’re providing a safe and structured environment for your clients and yourself.

Though our curriculum focuses on giving students a firm grounding in technical skills and knowledge, we know it’s our people who make Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette “literally the best cosmetology school there is,” according to one of our Cosmetology student reviews.

The objective of this program is to prepare the students for the state licensing examination in cosmetology. The program is intended to train students to enter the workforce as an entry-level hair stylist. A student will also learn the technical, personal, and business skills to prepare for the work in a professional salon as a stylist, retail sales specialist, salon manager, or salon owner with a focus on Aveda techniques and products.

Technical training, hands-on experience, and beauty products with certified organic ingredients separate the renowned Aveda Arts & Sciences Lafayette campus from other cosmetology and esthetician programs. Experienced and dedicated instructors provide the tools and resources you need to develop specialty skills and business knowledge to grow your career.

Connect with your community with local activities and opportunities, including local fashion shows, hair show competitions, and volunteer events at local hospitals and schools.

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette prepares future beauty professionals for success with strong graduation (87.4%), placement (78.7%), and licensure (80.3%) outcomes that exceed industry benchmarks.*

Our admissions and enrollment process is all about answering your questions so that you can start your cosmetology career. We welcome all applicants to visit us in person, complete an introductory interview with one of our Admissions team, and tour our light-filled campus.

To enroll in the Cosmetology program at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette, you have to meet these basic requirements for entry:

Age – 16 years

Education – High school diploma (or equivalent)

Other Requirements – Submit an application, pay a $50 non-refundable application fee, submit a government-issued ID

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute is committed to ensuring a safe educational environment and reserves the right to deny admission to applicants with a criminal record. Transfer hours are only accepted from schools within the Aveda Institute network.

Cosmetology: 4-day, 30 hours per week, Wednesday – Saturday 9am – 5:30pm (1-hour lunch).

Upcoming start dates: November 16, 2026.

Tuition: $19,850. Kit fee: $3,200 (kit fees are mandatory and may not be pro-rated; students may not opt out of kit fees). Application fee: $50 (nonrefundable; not eligible for VA funding). State Board registration fee: $10 (payable by money order, due with the enrollment agreement). Additional testing fees are required upon completion of course.

Total of listed charges: $23,110.

Required textbooks are included in the kit cost, but students can choose to purchase their textbooks from another source, in which case the kit fee is reduced by the applicable cost.

Payment plans: students can pay in installments through an interest-free monthly payment plan; no interest is charged if the total is paid off before graduation.

Financial aid is available for those students that meet the necessary requirements. Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes participate in the Pell Grant Program and the Federal Direct Loan Program. Complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov using federal school code 014724.

Veterans’ benefits are not available in all institute locations, and only to those who qualify.

State grants — Louisiana: TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) has four award components: Opportunity, Performance, Honors and Tech Awards.

Award Year 2026-27 Cost of Attendance (estimated room, transportation and personal expenses per month in the largest program): living with parent and no dependents $1,196.00; all others $1,530.00.

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute graduates who enroll in another program receive a 15% discount off the published tuition rate.

Net Price Calculator: https://avedaarts.edu/wp-content/themes/avedaarts/net-price-calculators/npcalc-lafayette.htm

The program is intended to train students to enter the workforce as an entry-level hair stylist, with the technical, personal, and business skills to work in a professional salon as a stylist, retail sales specialist, salon manager, or salon owner.

Graduation, placement and licensure (2024 Annual Report to NACCAS, as published in the 2026-27 catalog — Lafayette main location + all branches, All Cosmetology): graduation 75.69%, placement 87.10%, licensure 81.58%.

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes do not guarantee employment to students; however, the schools assist students in finding employment, hold annual job fairs, and can assist with out-of-state placement subject to licensing transfer.

The Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette offers a convenient location at the corner of Johnston and Bertrand Ave. for students looking to balance lifestyle with a world-class cosmetology and esthetics education.

Free parking in the lot outside the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette building makes getting to and from classes as simple as possible. Before and after class, enjoy nearby amenities, including 100-acre Moncus Park directly across the street. Satisfy your shopping, dining, and banking needs with a range of local and big-box businesses in the same shopping center as the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute — Lafayette. Whether popping into the bank or enjoying a friendly lunch at Mel’s Diner or Deano’s Pizza, you can check off your to-do list or connect with classmates, friends, and family outside of instruction hours.

A quick drive from the nearby communities of River Ranch, Bertrand Villa, Greenbriar, Woodbriar Estates, and Whittington Oaks, the Lafayette campus is just minutes away from the University of Lafayette Campus (The Cajun Dome) and South Louisiana Community College. Students can access secured parking at the Cajun Dome if they wish.

Lafayette, at the heart of Cajun and Creole country, attracts visitors for its cuisine and French heritage, but its vibrant atmosphere also comes from students at Aveda Arts Lafayette. Known for its green campus, stylish décor, and personalized curriculum, the institute offers Cosmetology and Esthiology programs that focus on personal growth and wellness. Students gain hands-on experience in a salon and spa environment, providing guests with the Aveda difference in services.