Cosmetology Operator (1,000 Hours)

At Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute San Antonio, we offer beauty education worthy of the diversity and historical richness of our city. Here at our Far North Central area campus, we offer aspiring beauty professionals two different cosmetology programs to choose from, built to equip you with everything you need to launch an exciting and creative career in hair styling and other services.

Our two cosmetology programs fulfill the requirements for you to earn a Cosmetology Operator license in Texas. Learn more about how you can unleash your creative energy, hone your talents at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute – San Antonio, and make your mark with a new cosmetology career.

At our San Antonio campus, our Cosmetology Operator curriculum covers a wide variety of fundamentals across a range of beauty services. Hair care is front and center; you’ll learn classroom theory and hands-on skills in professionally shampooing, cutting, bleaching and coloring, and styling hair for everyday looks and special events.

You’ll dive into the science behind beauty and wellness through classes on anatomy, physiology, and bacteriology. Additional classes expand your knowledge with lessons in skincare, makeup application, and manicuring.

All of the skills and instruction rest on the use of Aveda 100% vegan, plant-essence powered products and techniques so you can ensure that your future clients get a top-tier salon or spa experience. We also prepare you to join the workforce at any level, with courses in salon management, retailing, and client consultations.

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.

The San Antonio campus emphasizes practical, real-world experience. Our training programs in cosmetology and esthetics include classroom learning and hands-on instruction. Students are given extensive opportunities to practice their skills with real clients in the campus salon and spa in the supportive presence of our capable instructors. Beauty programs also include in-depth training in business development, retail sales, growing and maintaining clientele, and other skills essential to long-term career success.

All our students benefit from training with the Aveda line of pure flower, plant-based, high-performance hair and skincare products that are respected worldwide. You also gain access to a global network of thousands of Aveda salons and spas.

Area students also may appreciate knowing that Aveda Arts & Sciences – San Antonio accepts students with diplomas from SA Leadership Academy and Victory Learning Center.

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute San Antonio combines industry-focused education with proven results, including strong graduation rates (84.2%) and a 100% state board licensure pass rate.*

To enroll in either Cosmetology Operator program at our San Antonio campus, you must meet the following requirements:

Age: 16 years (note – you must be 17 years old to sit licensing exams)

Education: High school diploma (or equivalent). Unlike other local beauty schools, we’re proud to accept high school diplomas from the SA Leadership Academy and the Victory Learning Center.

Other Requirements: Submit an application, pay a $50 non-refundable application fee, submit a government-issued ID with proof of age and photo, and a social security card. You must also schedule an interview with an Admissions team member.

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 (1000/1500 hours). 3-day: 30 hours per week, Monday – Wednesday 9am – 8pm (1-hour lunch). 4-day: 30 hours per week, Wednesday – Saturday 9am – 5:30pm (1-hour lunch).

Upcoming start dates: November 16, 2026.

Tuition: $15,700. 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: $25 (payable by money order, due with the enrollment agreement).

Total of listed charges: $18,975.

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 041423.

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

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-sanantonio.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 — San Antonio, Cosmetology 1000): graduation 87.10%, placement 76.19%, licensure 100%.

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.

Situated in a shopping center in the master-planned district of Stone Oak, the San Antonio campus is a conveniently short commute from most locations in the San Antonio area, thanks to its proximity to Interstates 35, 10, and 410 and Route 281. Most of our students drive to class, enjoying the ease of free parking outside our door.

If you’re familiar with this area, you know Stone Oak is home to everything you may need, from banks, healthcare facilities, and grocery stores to The Home Depot and Walgreens. Between and after classes, students often take advantage of LA Fitness right next door, as well as dining options such as Whataburger and Chick-fil-A and a coffee shop, Summer Moon Coffee. Students with children appreciate that we are located across the street from Country Kids Academy, a daycare facility.

Aveda Arts San Antonio, was founded to train future entrepreneurs in hairdressing and esthetics. With a hands-on curriculum covering hair, skin, makeup, and retail, students gain hands-on experience under the guidance of licensed instructors. Offering fast-paced programs in cosmetology and esthiology, we provide the real-world skills needed to set you up for success.