Esthetics

This is a program of study in the services, theories and principles of Esthetics. The minimum length of the program is 1000 clock hours. The program length for the Day Schedule is 29 weeks and the Evening Schedule is 40 weeks. Bellus Academy esthetic students are trained using the Bellus Academy System of education, 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. An esthetics student shall not work on the public until the student has completed 130 hours of training.

Course objectives. Upon completion of the 1000-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.

Esthetics at our Manhattan, KS, campus provides students with the fundamental skills they need for careers as estheticians. Students utilize industry equipment and learn from knowledgeable instructors committed to their success. In our supervised student salon and spa, students get the chance to practice with real clients. Our goal is for students to graduate with the knowledge and skills to become highly sought-after in the esthetics industry.

Our Esthetics program teaches the fundamental skills required for estheticians, including facials, hair removal, and makeup application.

The Esthetician program provides a comprehensive and in-depth training program focusing on rejuvenating and caring for the skin. Our curriculum combines European techniques with American technology to ensure our graduates are equipped with the expertise to become highly sought-after industry specialists. Unlike most schools that only offer advanced esthetics courses as post-graduate training, Bellus Academy is committed to giving you the tools for early success. Our curriculum covers various skincare techniques, including facials, chemical exfoliation, hair removal, microdermabrasion, and more.

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

Bellus Academy instructors design the curriculum to help students learn the most popular trends and techniques. Our programs come with a student equipment kit, providing the essential items you’ll need to practice your craft. You’ll even be given a tablet that helps you access the digital platform. Many of our programs also allow students to take on externships to get even more experience. In the end, you’ll be ready to take your exam, giving you your esthetics license upon passing.

Program highlights.

• Learn the business side of the industry, including retailing, sales techniques, and financial management
• Practice with a diverse clientele in our student salon
• 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.

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 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm for night students (25-hour week).

The program length for the Day Schedule is 29 weeks and the Evening Schedule is 40 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 $15,500; kit (includes books, supplies and equipment) $1,670.86; program fees $1,203.98; total charges for the program $18,374.84. 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 $15.50.

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

• Repechage waxing kit
• Repechage basic esthetic kit
• Repechage oncology training kit
• Tools like extractors, tweezers, etc.
• Borboleta Lash & Lift kit
• Borboleta Combo Classic & Volume Kit
• Marianna Manikin make-up practice set

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), Esthetics at the Manhattan campus: 39 of 41 students scheduled to graduate completed (95.12%); 26 of 37 graduates eligible for work obtained training-related work (70.27% placement); 37 of 38 graduates who took the state exam passed (97.37% 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.