Cosmetology

The Cosmetology program at Compass Career College provides comprehensive beauty education designed to prepare students for the responsibilities of a licensed cosmetologist. Students develop skills in hair design, skin care, and nail technology while gaining practical experience in a supervised salon setting. The program blends classroom instruction, skills laboratory practice, and hands-on client services to help students understand both the artistry and professionalism behind a successful beauty career.

The Cosmetology program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the beauty and wellness industry and eligibility to seek licensure in accordance with Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology requirements. Students develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, business awareness, and professional behaviors necessary to provide cosmetology services in a variety of salon and beauty industry settings. Instruction includes hair care, chemical services, skincare, nail care, makeup application, sanitation, safety, client consultation, and salon management principles.

Program goals.

• Provide a strong foundation in cosmetology theory, techniques, and client care
• Support the development of technical skill, creativity, and professional communication
• Prepare students for participation in the beauty industry across a variety of salon and spa environments
• Encourage ethical practice and respect for diverse clients and communities

Hands-On Learning. Students learn by doing. Our hands-on training approach builds confidence and develops the practical job skills needed in today's competitive job market.

Experienced Instructors. Our instructors bring real-world industry experience into the classroom, giving students insights that go beyond textbooks — and beyond what online courses can offer.

Career-Oriented Programs. Compass Career College offers state-approved career training programs designed to prepare students for employment in Louisiana's growing industries.

Open Admissions. Compass Career College maintains an open-admission philosophy and is committed to providing access to career training. Admission to programs is based on established requirements and availability. Some programs have specific admission criteria or limited enrollment.

Supportive Learning Environment. Students benefit from a supportive educational community where instructors and staff are committed to helping each student succeed from day one.

Dedicated Workforce Development. Compass Career College focuses on career training, workforce development, and practical education — helping students gain the skills relevant to today’s workforce.

The admission process begins with an enrollment application. Please bring photo identification, your high school diploma or your general equivalency diploma. Bring any academic transcripts you may have, which will be evaluated for transfer credits. If you have previously earned certifications other than your high school diploma, bring these with you.

The Cosmetology program uses open acceptance admissions, so there are no entrance exams or placement tests. Prospective students should indicate their preferred campus, Hammond or Slidell, when applying. Applicants to the Cosmetology Program must submit two (2) passport-style photographs and the required student permit fee payable to the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology. Because enrollment capacity is limited at both campuses, applicants are encouraged to begin the process early.

Classes are Monday through Friday. Class times are 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Students are provided two (2) fifteen-minute breaks and one scheduled lunch period each instructional day.

Cosmetology begins approximately every 2 months. The next Cosmetology start in Hammond is October 26, 2026.

Program costs.

• Tuition: $18,000
• Registration Fee: $100
• Instructional Materials: $400
• Cosmo Kit: $1,500
• ID Badge & Lanyard: $10
• Cosmo State Board Exams: $173
• Supply Fee: $1,500

Total contract price. $21,683.

Cosmo Kit. The Cosmetology Kit consists of required equipment, professional tools, implements, and materials used to complete practical and clinical training in the program. Cosmo State Board Exams. This fee covers the cost of the initial theory and practical licensure examinations administered by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology in Baton Rouge. Students who do not complete within the scheduled timeframe plus a 15 school-day grace period are assessed an overage instructional fee of $15 per scheduled instructional day.

Instructional materials. This fee covers required instructional materials, which may include textbooks, workbooks, study guides, or electronic learning resources, as applicable to the program. Prices of required text are determined by various publishers and subject to change.

Registration fee. A one-time, non-refundable fee (except as required by law) assessed at enrollment to cover administrative costs associated with application processing, enrollment documentation, and student record setup. A $20 application fee is also listed on the College's online payment page.

Financial aid. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Students interested in financial assistance should apply online using the Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); Compass Career College's federal school code is 040403. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to remain eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Financial assistance programs. Compass Career College participates in various financial assistance programs, which may include Federal Student Aid Programs (including Pell Grants and Direct Loans), TOPS Tech, the MJ Foster Promise Program, Louisiana National Guard Education Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation, the Louisiana Workforce Investment Act (WIOA), the CHAFEE Educational and Training Voucher, Motivational Education and Training (MET), the Louisiana START Saving Program and AmeriCorps. At this time, Compass Career College does not offer institutional scholarships.

Payment options. Students who are not using financial aid enter into an institutional payment agreement (internal payment contract); payment plan options are available. Title IV funds go towards the student’s contract costs which include tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

Net price calculator. A Cosmetology net price calculator is available on the College's Net Price Calculator page.

Graduates are prepared to pursue employment opportunities in salons, spas, resorts, retail beauty environments, and other cosmetology-related settings. Career opportunities may include Hair Stylist, Hair Color Specialist, Cosmetologist, Nail Technician (where separately licensed or permitted), Makeup Artist, Salon Manager, Platform Artist, Salon Owner, and other beauty industry positions, subject to employer requirements and licensure.

The Cosmetology program is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology. Graduates may be eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Cosmetologist by taking the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology Theory and Practical Examinations.

Student outcomes (2023-2024 aid year). Completion rate 64%; placement rate 100%; licensure rate 100%. These rates are calculated according to the guidelines set forth by our National Accreditor the Council on Occupational Education.

Job placement assistance. The College provides job placement assistance to students and graduates to support their transition from education to employment related to their field of study. Compass Career College does not guarantee employment. Job placement assistance is provided as a support service and is available at no additional cost to graduates.

Hammond facility. The additional space is located at 42368 Deluxe Plaza, Hammond, Louisiana housed in a 7,500 square foot building. The Main Clinic Floor is 4500 square feet and houses 38 stations, a 4-seat manicure bar, 6 pedicure stations, a wax room, a 4 facial bed spa room, and reception area. Theory is taught in a classroom of 400 square feet with a separate classroom for practical work with 20 stations. Esthetics is taught in a 500 square foot classroom with occupancy of no more than 10 students. A 300 square foot room with 6 stations is dedicated to State Board review. School of Cosmetology business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Student salon. Our student salon is where aspiring cosmetologists turn classroom skills into real confidence by working with actual guests, professional tools, and industry-grade products in a supervised, supportive setting. Every service is performed by cosmetology students developing their craft under the guidance of experienced, licensed instructors, using professional brands like Matrix and Dermalogica. Every service builds the hands-on hours required to graduate, get licensed, and launch a career in the Louisiana beauty industry.