Cosmetology is a Diploma program offered by Berea Beauty Academy in Berea, KY. The program takes 1,500 clock hours (about 47 weeks full time or 66 weeks part time) to complete, with a total tuition of $16,700.
Program Overview
The 1,500-hour Cosmetology program trains students in the art and science of cosmetology: hair care and design, skin care, nails, the sciences behind them, and the business and professional skills of the salon. It prepares graduates for entry-level employment and for the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology licensing examinations.
Instruction combines lectures, demonstrations and student participation. Students show their competency in theory and practice through mannequin work and clinical services on clients in the student salon, supported by visual aids, exercises and presentations. Academic learning is assessed through tests, assignments and quizzes, and practical learning through completion of assigned work.
The program is offered full time (32 hours a week) or part time (24 hours a week), and all programs are taught in English. The catalog states that Cosmetology does not use distance learning.
What sets this Program apart
- Full-time or part-time schedules. 32 hours a week finishes in about 47 weeks; 24 hours a week in about 66 weeks.
- Monthly start dates. New students can start at the beginning of most months.
- A working student salon. Students practice on real clients in the academy’s patron service clinic.
- Federal aid eligible. The program is approved for Title IV federal student aid for students who qualify.
- Published results. The academy reports a 100 percent licensure rate for its most recent NACCAS reporting group (10 of 10).
Admission Requirements and Process
Ready to take the next step in your beauty career? Apply to Berea Beauty Academy today. Our admissions team can help you get started on your journey to becoming a cosmetologist.
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or EquivalentHave successfully completed high school or its equivalent as evidenced by a copy of diploma, copy of GED certificate, copy of a transcript showing high school completion date, or…
- No Ability-To-BenefitBerea Beauty Academy does not accept Ability-To-Benefit (ATB) students.
- Application and FeeComplete the Application and pay the $50.00 non-refundable application fee (not included in the tuition fee).
- Tour and InterviewTour the school and interview (this process may be waived for students who are re-enrolling or a graduate returning for a different program).
- Current 2 x 2 PhotoSubmit current 2 x 2 photo.
- Minimum Age 17Proof that the prospective student is at least 17 years old by copy of official government ID (Passport, Driver’s License or Birth Certificate).
Application Process
- 1Contact Our Admissions TeamOur admissions team can help you get started on your journey. Contact Berea Beauty Academy to begin the application process.
- 2Complete the ApplicationContact admissions to complete the Application and pay the $50.00 non-refundable application fee (not included in the tuition fee).
- 3Tour the School and InterviewTour the school and interview (this process may be waived for students who are re-enrolling or a graduate returning for a different program).
- 4Provide Enrollment DocumentsProvide proof of high school completion or its equivalent, a current 2 x 2 photo, and proof that you are at least 17 years old by copy of official government ID (Passport, Driver’s License or Birth Certificate).
- 5Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)We understand that paying for school can be a challenge. That's why we offer financial aid to those who qualify. Our experienced financial aid team can help you navigate the process and find the funding options that work best for you.FAFSA Code for Berea: 043130Fill Out the FAFSA
- 6Sign the Enrollment AgreementSign the Enrollment Agreement; the registration fee is paid at the time of signing, with the balance paid prior to the start date or through an approved payment plan as stated in the Enrollment Agreement.
- 7Student Orientation and StartAll incoming students will receive an orientation either prior to the beginning of school or on the first day of school. New students start the first Monday or Tuesday of each month, depending on full-time or part-time schedule, with the exception of July and December.
Program Schedule
Cosmetology is 1,500 clock hours: about 47 weeks at the full-time schedule of 32 hours a week, or 66 weeks part time at 24 hours a week. Progress is evaluated at 450, 900 and 1,200 actual hours, and the maximum time allowed is 2,250 scheduled hours.
Start dates. New students start on the first Monday or Tuesday of each month, depending on a full-time or part-time schedule, except July (summer break) and December (Christmas and New Year break). The academy may postpone a start date when staffing, scheduling or enrollment require it.
School hours. The academy’s academic hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The student salon takes clients Monday and Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The school runs year-round with scheduled breaks: in 2026, spring break April 6 to 9, summer break July 1 to 31, fall break October 5 to 9, Thanksgiving November 25 to 27, and Christmas and New Year from December 19 to January 1, 2027. For weather closures it follows the Madison County school system.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you attend a school that has been independently evaluated for educational quality.
Berea Beauty Academy is accredited by NACCAS; its June 2026 catalog states that the accreditation is currently on probation. The academy is licensed by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Berea Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $16,700 |
| Registration Fee | $100 |
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | $50 |
| Student License Fee | $26 |
| Lab Fee | $350 |
| Uniforms | $95 |
| Books | $430 |
| Kit / Supplies | $1,049 |
| Total Cost of Program | $18,800 |
These are the charges printed in the June 2026 catalog. The catalog lists the registration fee and student license fee as miscellaneous fees on the enrollment agreement.
Federal student aid. The academy takes part in the Federal Student Aid (Title IV) programs, and federal aid is available in both the Cosmetology and Apprentice Instructor programs to students who qualify. Aid is based on the FAFSA and includes Federal Pell Grants, which normally do not have to be repaid, and Federal Direct Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and PLUS loans for parents), which must be repaid.
Other charges, if they apply. Hours needed past the original contract end date are billed at $12.00 an hour. The catalog also lists a $25 transcript fee after the first official transcript, a $25 fee for each later schedule change, a $150 termination fee on early withdrawal, a $150 re-entry fee, and a $25 fee for a returned check. Kentucky licensing examination and license fees are not included in school fees or tuition.
Refunds. Refunds follow the catalog’s tuition adjustment schedule and are based on scheduled hours. The registration fee and termination fee are not refundable charges in that calculation, and items such as books and equipment that are not part of tuition are handled separately.
Curriculum
The catalog breaks the 1,500 hours into the subject areas below, which add up to the full program. The textbook, workbook and test review book are Milady’s.
The required courses below are from Berea Beauty Academy's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Orientation | 1.5 |
| Basics | 128 |
| General Sciences | 180 |
| Hair Care | 340 |
| Skin Care | 180 |
| Nails | 150 |
| Business Skills | 147 |
| State Board Law | 40 |
| Theory | 333.5 |
| Totals | 1,500 |
Required Courses
| Name |
|---|
| Orientation |
| Basics |
| General Sciences |
| Hair Care |
| Skin Care |
| Nails |
| Business Skills |
| State Board Law |
| Theory |
| Totals |
Career Outcomes
Licensure. After meeting the graduation requirements, graduates receive a diploma and must sit for and pass the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology licensing examinations, theory and practical, with a minimum score of 70 percent. Passing scores are valid for six months. Examination and license fees are paid separately.
The catalog prepares graduates for the licensing exam and entry-level work in hair studios, spa salons and destination spas, with positions such as stylist, nail technician, skincare specialist, colorist, platform artist, sales representative, instructor and salon owner. More industry experience can lead to roles such as manufacturer sales educator.
Career help. The academy offers academic and graduate employment advice, including professionalism, resume development, interview preparation and job search skills. It posts job openings on an in-house board, runs internal and external career days, makes recommendations and referrals, and keeps local relationships with salons and other beauty employers. It does not guarantee employment.
Student outcomes. The academy publishes its NACCAS annual report rates for the Cosmetology program: a graduation rate of 71.43 percent (10 of 14), a placement rate of 90 percent (9 of 10) and a licensure rate of 100 percent (10 of 10). The catalog heads the table 2024 and describes the figures as of November 2023, as reported to NACCAS. No rates are published for the Apprentice Instructor program.
What to expect as a Berea Beauty Academy student
Accreditation on probation. The academy’s June 2026 catalog states that it is accredited by NACCAS and that “currently, accreditation is on probation.” A school on probation remains accredited, but the catalog does not say why or for how long.
The academy has about 3,000 square feet of teaching space on Glades Road in Berea: a student salon where students serve clients, theory and practical classrooms, administrative offices, storerooms for chemicals and a lobby. It was established in 2016. All programs are taught in English, and students learn from the Milady textbooks alongside demonstrations by color, styling and technical artists.
Attendance matters. Students clock in and out, and a student who arrives after class starts waits until the 10 a.m. break (or 11:30 a.m.) to enter, so theory time is not interrupted. Missed hours and assignments must be made up. Progress is reviewed at set points in each program, and students must finish within 150 percent of the program length. Hours earned are reported monthly by the 10th of the following month.
The work is physical: students stand for long periods, work with raised arms and hands, use sharp and hot tools, and clean and disinfect their work areas. Some products can cause allergic reactions. The dress code applies during school hours, and only closed-toed shoes are allowed. Staff can refer students to local agencies for help with childcare, transportation, housing, or family, financial or legal matters.