Cosmetology Hybrid

Hybrid delivery. This is the hybrid (online and residential) version of the program: 300 of the 1,500 hours are theory delivered online and the rest is taught on campus. Coursework that is delivered through distance education is completed at a location determined by the student.

This is a program of study in the basic services, theories and principles of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. The minimum length of the program is 1500 clock hours. 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 Cutting 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. A cosmetology student shall not work on the public until the student has completed 320 hours of training.

Course objectives. Upon completion of the 1500-hour program, the student will have had the opportunity to acquire the technical abilities and the academic theories in compliance with the requirements of the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. The skills and theories of each service are presented in a progressive manner permitting each student to acquire the maximum degree of technical ability and knowledge in a minimal length of time.

Our Cosmetology program in Manhattan, KS campus offers extensive training in various services, including advanced signature haircutting, hair coloring, hair extensions, facials, brow shaping, and hair removal. The program takes a minimum of 1500 hours to complete and covers core services such as eyelash extensions, lash lifts, basic make-up, manicures, and pedicures. Students receive hands-on classroom training, which is refined during student salon training.

Bellus Academy provides business training to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Students acquire skills in online marketing, branding, retailing, client retention, and financial management.

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
• 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 be at least 16 years of age, 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. The State of Kansas does not recognize ATB eligibility. Bellus Academy does not enroll students under training agreements.

Students must have attained the age of 17 before applying to take the Kansas Cosmetology Examination. Upon acceptance into the academy, each student enrolled in cosmetology, esthetics or nail technology must have an Apprentice License issued by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology and must be free from infectious and contagious diseases. All prospective students are encouraged to participate in a shadow day to gain more insight into the program they are considering.

Students enrolling in a program that offers a distance education delivery method (hybrid) must meet the minimum student skills, hardware, and software requirements to enroll in any distance education (online) courses. Students will be assessed, prior to admission in the program through completion of a Distance Education Questionnaire on whether the student has the appropriate skills and competencies needed to succeed in the distance education environment.

Classes are conducted, in an online format and in residency, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm for day students (35-hour week) and Monday through Friday from 5:30 pm to 10:30 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 20, 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 $18,375; kit (includes books, supplies and equipment) $1,941.41; program fees $3,729.47; total charges for the program $24,045.88. 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 $12.25.

Student kit. Cosmetology Kit (KS) (included in the total program cost; kit items vary and are not guaranteed):

• GHD hot tools, including a hair dryer, diffuser, curling iron, and styler
• Mizutani shears, shears sleeve, mannequin shears, and shear oil
• DreamCatchers 4-in-1 kit, which includes materials for K-tips, I-tips, tape-ins, and wefts
• Borboleta Lash & Lift kit
• Borboleta Combo Classic and Volume Kit
• OPI Nail with IBD kit with tools and materials
• Pivot Point cosmetology kits, which include items like brushes, combs, clips, spray bottles, color bowls, hair swatches, and more

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. The first step is to complete the FAFSA; the FAFSA school code for the Manhattan campus is 016644.

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 Midwest Advanced Artist Scholarship in Manhattan, KS; amounts vary by program.

Net price calculator. A net price calculator for the Manhattan campus is available at https://www.bellusacademy.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/index-1.html.

Occupational titles. Entry-level employment opportunities for Cosmetologists, Nail Technicians, Estheticians and Makeup Artists are available in individual salons, salon chains, department stores, supply houses, and day spas.

Completion, placement and licensure rates. As reported to NACCAS for 2024 (students who completed within 150% of the published program length), Cosmetology Hybrid at the Manhattan campus: 3 of 3 students scheduled to graduate completed (100%); 2 of 3 graduates eligible for work obtained training-related work (66.67% placement); 3 of 3 graduates who took the state exam passed (100% licensure). The school notes that Poway and its Manhattan, KS branch report combined data to NACCAS and the campus figures were extracted from it.

Graduation rate. Federal Student Right to Know: the overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time students at the Manhattan campus was 83% (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.