Esthiology (600 Hours)

There’s no better place to start your career in skincare than at our flagship Minneapolis campus, an internationally acclaimed center of learning that is the very essence of what Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher envisioned.

The program includes both theory instruction and practical, hands-on instruction to ensure you have the knowledge and skills to begin a career as an esthetician. The program is designed to fulfill the training requirements that the state of Minnesota sets out for a practicing esthetician.

The first section of the Esthiology program includes theory courses on anatomy, dermatology, and chemistry as foundational knowledge for skincare. Students also learn the safety procedures necessary to provide a sterile environment and control infection.

Clinical training offers real-world practice with a set number of facials, makeup applications, waxes, and other treatments to qualify for graduation. Our expert instructors will guide and support you, providing feedback and assistance to enhance your experience and provide excellent client care along the way.

Our Esthiology curriculum provides 600 hours of comprehensive training designed to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for a successful career in the beauty and wellness industry. With an emphasis on the use of pure flower and plant essences in treatments, you’ll learn both the art and sciences of professional skin care. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be prepared to pursue licensure and begin your journey as a professional esthetician.

At this flagship campus of Aveda Institutes, our students come for far more than just skillbuilding. The students at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis value our focus on wellness—both personal and environmental—and rituals rooted in ancient beauty practices that still resonate today with a modern twist.

Beyond the classroom or clinic floor, students have the chance to participate in two fashion shows during the year: one for Breast Cancer Awareness and another—fittingly for the Aveda brand that walks the talk on environment sustainability—celebrating Earth Month. Our active community also proudly participates in Minneapolis’ annual Pride parade and fest.

It’s not just our physical building that has history, either. The proof points of our program are our noteworthy alumni. Among our distinguished Minneapolis graduates are beauty pros who have made it to the pinnacle of their fields, including the celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness; David Wagner, founder and CEO of Juut Salonspa; and Janell Geason, global artistic director and educator for Aveda’s makeup division.

Home to one of the nation’s leading Aveda programs, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis combines strong graduation (85.7%), placement (77.8%), and licensure (94%) outcomes with advanced esthetics training opportunities.*

To enroll in the esthiology program at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis, submit an application along with the application and enrollment fees. We also encourage applicants to schedule a tour of our Minneapolis campus.

Age – The minimum age requirement is 16 years.

Education – Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Please submit any higher education documentation, if applicable. Students with foreign education documents must have paperwork translated into English and verified for equivalency by a qualified third party.

Identification – Submit a valid government-issued ID confirming your birthday and your social security card.

Eligibility Documents – Please submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal eligibility to attend school in the United States.

You will receive a written notice of acceptance or rejection. To schedule an informational interview, call the Admissions Department at (612) 378-7400 or (800) 274-6778, option 1.

Full-time schedules. A-side: Monday through Wednesday 8:30 am – 7:30 pm, every other Saturday 7:30 am – 6:30 pm (1-hour break) (replaces Wednesday) (30 hours per week, 20 weeks total). B-side: Tuesday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm (30-minute break) every other week, then Wednesday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm and Saturday 7:30am – 3:30pm every other week (30 hours per week, 20 weeks total).

Tuition is not shown because the school’s current sources publish different figures for this program; contact the campus financial aid office for the current cost.

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.

Students may make full payment at the time of enrollment; otherwise, students receive a payment schedule in their enrollment contract.

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 014847.

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

State grants — Minnesota: the Minnesota State Grant is available to Minnesota residents who meet its eligibility rules; undocumented students can apply through the Minnesota Dream Act application.

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 $1,418.00; all others $1,985.00.

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-minneapolis.htm

Upon completion, students will have the skills to seek employment as a skin care specialist; job opportunities are available in the salon, medical and retail industries as Esthetician and Makeup Artist.

Graduation, placement and licensure (NACCAS 2024 Annual Report; cohort of students scheduled to graduate in 2024 — Minneapolis, Esthiology): graduation 89.09%, placement 64.00%, licensure 95.77%.

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.

We’re located at the edge of the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood, just blocks away from Nicollet Island and a mile from the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis campus. Our central location near the University and Central intersection offers easy access to many parts of the city, including historic Main Street.

Located on multiple Metro Transit bus lines and within walking distance of a variety of local restaurants, lunch breaks and commuting are convenient and accessible. At Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis, you’ll learn beauty surrounded by beauty. The institute occupies a beautifully restored historic brick building, the Cataract Lodge. Built in 1926 in late Gothic Revival style for the Masons, the building was purchased in the 80’s by Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher for the very first Aveda Institute.

The five floors contain elegant marble staircases lined with original stained-glass windows, two incredible ballrooms, a retail space, and even a domed meditation room with ceiling crystals. A building this inspiring could be where you attend beauty school as the next step in your career.

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis, founded in 1982, develops entrepreneurs in beauty while promoting personal well-being and environmental responsibility. Students learn from passionate instructors who help them master essential skills within a global community focused on excellence. The institute offers various career paths, making it an ideal starting point for a career with a recognized brand.