Cosmetology (1,600 Hours)

Discover your passion for beauty in the heart of Seattle with our premier Cosmetology program. At Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Seattle, you can Immerse yourself in a beauty program as progressive and innovative as our city is known to be.

At our Seattle campus, we blend the latest trends with a focus on timeless Aveda traditions of sustainability, respect for the earth and our community, and holistic wellness. From mastering the art of precision haircuts to exploring the transformative power of makeup artistry, our curriculum is designed to unleash your creativity and ignite your career.

With a curriculum centered on hands-on learning and haircare—with a dash of makeup, skincare, and nails—students can graduate prepared to start their dream careers. Learn how Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute – Seattle trains the next generation of creatives, and how you can join us.

Our 1,600-hour cosmetology curriculum is designed to prepare you for the state exam and a fulfilling career after graduation. Those who complete our program go on to be cosmetologists working on salon floors, work in retail sales, manage or own salons, and more.

Our classes are broken into seven phases: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Infinity, State Board, and Salon Life.

Earth introduces you to haircutting and styling, and Water is all about hair color. Fire builds upon the previous two and adds in skin and nail care. Air goes into advanced chemical hair treatments.

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.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to master cosmetology and esthetics skills backed by a philosophy of sustainability and entrepreneurship, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Seattle is the spot for you.

At Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Seattle, you’ll have the chance to work alongside experienced industry professionals at the school’s cutting-edge facilities, receiving hands-on training while developing lasting connections with fellow students. Additionally, the school takes an environmentally conscious approach, prioritizing sustainability throughout its programs.

Our talented roster of cosmetology and esthetics instructors provide decades of professional experience. What’s more, they have the teaching experience to match any unique needs that come through the door. Each student learns differently, and as a result, our team of experienced instructors leans on both the theory and hands-on training vital to cosmetology and esthetics.

Campus opportunities like industry days, salon and spa monthly demos, and community give-back events can further enrich your experience.

At Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Seattle, we have a straightforward application process, making it easy for you to show your interest and enroll. If you have questions, our Admissions team is here for you.

The requirements to enroll in our cosmetology program include:

Age: 16

Education: High school diploma or GED

Other Requirements: Turn in a $50 application fee, proof of education, proof of age, and social security card.

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: 27 hours per week, Thursday – Saturday 8am – 6pm (1-hour lunch).

Upcoming start dates: November 16, 2026.

Tuition: $21,350. 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).

Total of listed charges: $24,600.

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 041494.

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

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 $2,607.00; all others $3,919.00.

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-seattle.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 — Seattle, Cosmetology): graduation 72.84%, placement 73.17%, licensure 100.00%.

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.

Located in the heart of the Pike/Pine corridor at the southern edge of Capitol Hill, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Seattle is centrally located, drawing students from surrounding neighborhoods such as Belltown, Queen Anne, the Central District, and Madison Park.

At our campus, students are moments away from small businesses, restaurants, and coffee houses. Our Seattle campus students can take advantage of this diverse and multicultural neighborhood when not honing their cosmetology and esthetics skills.

The Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute – Seattle campus is easily accessible for drivers and those utilizing public transportation. With a parking garage one block away, plus easy proximity to bus stops, street cars, and light rail, students have many options to get to campus.

Aveda Arts Seattle partnered with Aveda for their commitment to the environment, excellence, and education. Through hands-on learning, students prepare for the beauty industry by mastering their creativity and building memorable connections.