Advanced Cosmetology

The Advanced Cosmetology course of instruction consists of 1500 hours. The requirement for California State Board licensing is 1000 hours minimum, and the additional 500 hours in the program adds an additional layer of expertise. The program length for the Day Schedule is 43 weeks and the Evening Schedule is 60 weeks. Bellus Academy students are trained using the Bellus Cut and Color system, which utilizes verbal, written, visual and hands-on instruction throughout the classroom and clinic floor practicum. Along with high quality technical training students will learn career development skills such as client consultation, business tracking systems, and marketing strategies, as well as receiving Financial Literacy training within the classroom and via online education.

Course objectives. The program is structured to ensure students gain the following competencies:

• To successfully prepare the student to pass the exam.
• To prepare students for entry level employment.
• To develop personality skills as well as mechanical skills suitable for the field of Cosmetology.
• To develop marketing and sales skills to become a successful Cosmetologist.

The Advanced Cosmetology program is an extensive training program that requires a minimum of 1500 hours. The program provides hands-on classroom education in advanced signature haircutting, hair coloring, hair extensions, facials, brow shaping, and hair removal. During the program, students are taught to perform core services such as eyelash extensions, lash lifts, basic make-up, manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. These skills will be refined further during student salon training.

Our Advanced Cosmetology program at Bellus Academy covers theoretical and practical aspects of hair color, cutting, and business training that fosters an entrepreneurial mindset. We provide comprehensive online marketing, branding, retailing, client retention, and financial management training to prepare our graduates to succeed in the beauty and cosmetology industry.

The opportunity to refine their technical and communication skills occurs in our busy student salon, where our future professionals work 1:1 with a diverse clientele.

The program includes a tablet, where much of the curriculum is taught with a social learning experience.

Whether you are looking to attend courses in California or Kansas, our team of licensed instructors leads challenging and rewarding programs that our current and former students rave about. Our goal is more than helping our students give great haircuts, tend to clients’ nails, and leave their skin looking pure. It’s about getting students excited about their futures. That’s why all our courses provide lessons on the business side of the industry, as well.

Besides getting familiar with a range of industry equipment in our supervised student salon and spa, our students receive the tools they need to succeed, including student equipment kits, which help them practice their abilities and hone their crafts. Upon enrollment, you’ll also receive a tablet to access our digital platform.

With so many benefits to attending Bellus Academy, it’s no wonder that we have such a great reputation. Our cosmetology schools allow students to express themselves and find their inner artist. The beauty industry is about more than just trying out the trendiest looks and techniques. The experience of helping clients feel confident about their appearance is especially rewarding. Our educators at Bellus Academy get this same feeling when they help students recognize their potential.

Program highlights.

• Compete in national competitions
• Receive externship and job opportunities in top salons and resorts
• Develop your portfolio and resume
• Assistance with job search, interviewing, and state board prep

TikTok Shop training. Health and beauty made up 79% of all U.S. TikTok Shop sales in 2024, totaling $1.34 billion according to Capital One Shopping research. At Bellus Academy, every student learns how to build a personal brand, create content, and sell beauty retail products online, taught through a licensed course from Jenn Lyles, a Top 1% TikTok Shop creator, and included in your total program cost.

Students desiring to enroll in Bellus Academy must have reached the age of majority (i.e., 18 in California), and must provide a high school diploma, or its equivalent (i.e., a GED or a certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state-authorized examination that the state recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma), a transcript showing high school completion, a transcript showing proof of attainment of an Associate’s degree or higher, or evidence of completion of home schooling that state law treats as a home or private school. Bellus Academy does not enroll students under training agreements.

The academy will verify the authenticity of the high school diploma prior to enrollment. All prospective students are encouraged to participate in a shadow day to gain more insight into the program they are considering.

Classes are conducted, in residency, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm for day students (35-hour week) and Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for night students (25-hour week).

The program length for the Day Schedule is 43 weeks and the Evening Schedule is 60 weeks.

Remaining 2026 class start dates (day and evening): October 27, November 17 and December 15, 2026. Residential and Hybrid programs have the same class start dates. All students are required to attend a mandatory Orientation session before their class start date. Management reserves the right to modify class start dates when necessary.

Cost of attendance. Tuition $23,625; kit (includes books, supplies and equipment) $1,699.72; program fees $3,353.49; STRF $0.00; total charges for the program $28,678.21. Tuition, kits and fees are charged on the first day of class. Overall kit costs and program fees may change depending on whether or not the student opts out of specific items, and prices are subject to change without notice.

Overtime. Students can attend beyond their scheduled completion date, at no additional charge, up to 7.5% of their total program hours; after that, additional tuition accrues at the hourly rate of $15.75.

Student kit. Advanced Cosmetology Kit (CA): everything in the Cosmetology Foundation kit, plus (included in the total program cost; kit items vary and are not guaranteed):

• DreamCatchers 4-in-1 kit, which includes materials for K-tips, I-tips, tape-ins, and wefts
• Borboleta Combo Classic and Volume Kit
• MUD makeup bundle
• Extra mannequin heads

Payment. Payments are accepted by cash, check (there is a $25 fee for returned checks) or credit card; for students using financial aid, payments are due when the aid is received. In addition to Financial Aid Assistance for qualifying students, individual financing and payment programs are available, including payment plans that spread payments over a pre-set period.

Financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Programs include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans and alternative (private) loans. Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C can be used at Bellus Academy by eligible California students. Bellus Academy is not eligible to receive funding under the California Dream Act (AB 540). The first step is to complete the FAFSA; the FAFSA school code for the El Cajon campus is 012026.

Military and veterans. Programs are approved for Veterans Educational Benefits (GI Bill® Chapters 30, 33 and 35). Military spouses may qualify for MyCAA, and active-duty service members may use Military Tuition Assistance.

Scholarships. Institutional scholarships are offered periodically, including the High School, Military and Alumni scholarships, and the Twilight Scholarship at El Cajon; amounts vary by program.

Net price calculator. A net price calculator for the El Cajon campus is available at https://www.bellusacademy.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/index.html.

Occupational titles. Cosmetologists entering the job market can be employed as assistants or stylists. Cosmetologists may also enter the employment field as a makeup artist, manicurist, facialist, hair color technician, ethnic styles specialist or haircutter.

Completion, placement and licensure rates. As reported to NACCAS for 2024 (students who completed within 150% of the published program length), Advanced Cosmetology at the El Cajon campus: 37 of 47 students scheduled to graduate completed (78.72%); 18 of 23 graduates eligible for work obtained training-related work (78.26% placement); 23 of 23 graduates who took the state exam passed (100% licensure).

Graduation rate. Federal Student Right to Know: the overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time students at the El Cajon campus was 75% (cohort year September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025, graduating within 150% of normal time).

Career services. Throughout your training, job search training is incorporated in your classes, and the Career Services Department offers resume preparation, mock interviews, referrals and graduate follow-up; the academies cannot guarantee employment.

Externships. Externship Programs (as available) provide students with real-life, hands-on experience at highly successful, dynamic and inspiring salons and spas. Students who have completed 60% of their program of study, and are current with their clinic operations, may participate; externships are not a requirement for graduation.

Community service and off-site learning. The academy frequently participates in community events, salon visitations, extended training sessions in product knowledge and technical instruction, and various other extra-curricular activities, and students are expected to represent the academy at these events when requested.

Student app. All students have access to the Bellus Academy Student App for progress reports, academics, attendance and job postings.