Crave Beauty Academy

Esthetics (Ballwin)

Ballwin
Ballwin, MO
Diploma · On Campus
Esthetics (Ballwin)
Accredited by NACCAS as an additional location; graduates take the Missouri State Board exam.
In person at the Ballwin campus, full time Monday to Friday by day or part time Monday to Thursday evenings.
$13,500 tuition for the 750-hour Esthetics program at the Ballwin campus, per the January 2026 catalog.
750 clock hours: 21 weeks full time at 35 hours a week, or 38 weeks in the evening at 20 hours a week.
A $100 non-refundable application fee is charged.
Federal Pell Grants and Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized and Parent PLUS Loans for students who qualify.

Esthetics (Ballwin) is a Diploma program offered by Crave Beauty Academy in Ballwin, MO. The program takes 750 clock hours, 21 weeks full time to complete, with a total tuition of $13,500.

Program Overview

Esthetics, 750 hours. Crave Beauty Academy's Esthetics program at its Ballwin campus prepares students for licensure in skin care by the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, combining theory, Pivot Point online learning and supervised services on guests. It is taught in English and runs 21 weeks full time or 38 weeks in the evening.

Core training first. The first 4 weeks (8 in the evening program) cover orientation, salon ecology and chemistry, skin physiology and disorders, guest care, skin analysis and treatments, extractions, electricity, color theory and makeup artistry, hair removal and body treatments.

Advanced phases. Later phases add pharmacology, advanced care for aging and sun-damaged skin, advanced facial treatments with Dermalogica skin care, anatomy, esthetics in the medical field, salon business and state law.

What sets this Program apart

  • Pivot Point curriculum. Classes use Pivot Point's LAB online learning system, its Beauty as a Business social media lessons and its Vitality well-being project.
  • Dermalogica skin care. Advanced facial treatments are taught with Dermalogica skin care products.
  • Esthetics in the medical field. Two medical field modules introduce skin care beyond the spa.
  • Money skills and a portfolio. Money EDU and Qnity teach personal finance, and a digital portfolio platform helps students build their business.

Admission Requirements and Process

You are one step closer to entering into a career in the dynamic and highly successful beauty industry. Your first step is to set an interview appointment with one of our admissions advisors, and we will review the variety of course options our Academies offer and help you find the best one for you. Enrollments are accepted year-round, and classes start several times within a year.

General Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
    Must be a high school graduate, have a GED or equivalent: a copy of High School Diploma, Transcript showing high school completion, or certificate of attainment, GED or…
  • Minimum age 17
    Must be at least 17 years old.
  • Foreign diploma evaluation (Missouri)
    Foreign diplomas will need to be transcribed by the Missouri Cosmetology and Barbers Examiners company partner and approved by Missouri prior to enrolling in the program. The…
  • Proof of birth and photo ID
    Copy of birth Certificate/Passport/Verification of birth and a copy of photo ID, required prior to enrolling and on or before the first day of attendance.
  • Pass the entrance exam
    Complete and pass the Entrance Exam prior to enrolling.
  • Application fee
    Application fee (non-refundable).
  • Missouri apprentice license application
    Application for Apprentice License to Missouri State Board.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Set an interview appointment
    Your first step is to set an interview appointment with one of our admissions advisors. We will review the variety of course options our Academies offer and help you find the best one for you.
  2. 2
    Personal interview and campus tour
    In your personal interview we discuss your personal goals and which program you are interested in. After the interview, you can tour our facility and observe students in the classroom and in the student salon & spa areas, and meet some of our students and team.
  3. 3
    Meet the Business Office about finances
    You may also want to meet with our Business Office Administrator to discuss finances, and we can provide you with individual financial estimates.
  4. 4
    Apply for financial aid (FAFSA)
    Financial aid is available to those who qualify. You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what you may qualify for.
    FAFSA Code for Ballwin: E02186
    Fill Out the FAFSA
  5. 5
    Pass the entrance exam
    Complete and pass the Entrance Exam.
  6. 6
    Complete your admissions application
    Contact admissions to complete the admissions application and signed tour sheet, pay the non-refundable application fee, and provide your diploma or equivalent, birth verification and photo ID on or before the first day of attendance.
  7. 7
    Apply for your Missouri apprentice license
    Submit the Application for Apprentice License to the Missouri State Board before you start.

Program Schedule

Full time or evenings. Full-time students attend Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 35 hours a week, for 21 weeks; evening part-time students attend Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., 20 hours a week, for 38 weeks. Since January 5, 2026, the academy has been closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Upcoming start dates. The Ballwin campus's 2026 start-date calendar lists full-time Esthetics starts on October 12, 2026.

Attendance and leaves. Students clock in and out on the time clock, take a 15-minute break each morning and afternoon, and report an absence before the school day begins. A leave of absence is requested in writing, lasts at least 30 days and no more than 60, and extends the contract end date by the same number of days.

Campus Location

Ballwin
14858 Manchester Rd
Ballwin, MO 63011

Why Accreditation Is Important

When you attend an accredited institution, you attend a school that has been independently evaluated for educational quality.

Crave Beauty Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS), and the Ballwin campus holds NACCAS additional location accreditation. Its programs prepare students for licensure by the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

  • A reliable indicator of quality
  • Approved program of study
  • Qualified instructors
  • Recognition by employers nationwide

Accreditations

National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS)

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $13,500
Total Program Cost
≈ $16,762.26
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator
ChargeAmount
Tuition (750 hours)$13,500
Equipment and books$2,947.58
Missouri sales tax on the kit$214.68
Application fee (non-refundable)$100
Total$16,762.26

The Missouri State Board apprentice license fee ($5) is paid directly to the State Board.

Financial aid. Crave Beauty Academy participates in the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized and Parent PLUS Loan programs for students who qualify. Students file the FAFSA using school code E02186 for the Ballwin campus, and the academy accepts third-party scholarships.

Paying for school. An interest-free payment plan is available while attending, with payments due on the 15th of each month and a $25 late fee after that; payments can be made through the online portal or by cash, credit card or check. Training more than 30 days past the contract end date is charged at $18.00 an hour, retaking a class after that date costs $50, and a transcript costs $10.

Cancellation and refunds. The $100 application fee is non-refundable. Cancelling in writing within three business days of signing, or later but before classes begin, refunds everything else paid, and equipment, books and supplies are non-refundable once used. After classes begin, based on scheduled hours, the academy keeps 20% of tuition through 4.9% of the program, 30% through 9.9%, 40% through 14.9%, 45% through 24.9%, 70% through 49.9%, and all tuition from 50%. Refunds are made within 30 days.

Curriculum

Eleven Missouri subject areas, 750 hours. Facials, cleansing, toning and massage (120 hours), body treatments, aromatherapy and wraps (120), makeup (100), cosmetic sciences (85), cosmetic chemistry (75), salon management and salesmanship (55), sanitation (45), reflexology (35), hair removal (30), Missouri state law (10) and 75 hours of advanced curriculum make up the program, shown below.

Grading and progress. Grades are A (95-100), B (89-94) and C (85-88), and students keep at least an 85% grade average and 85% attendance. Tests are usually weekly, with two retakes allowed at a highest recorded score of 85%, and satisfactory progress is evaluated at 375 actual hours. Full-time students must finish within 118% of the program, 885 hours or 25 weeks.

Graduation and licensure. Graduates follow academy rules, complete every academic and state credit requirement and attend graduation, then receive a diploma. To be licensed, a graduate completes the approved program, pays all fees to the school and passes the Missouri State Board's computer-based exam with 75% on both the written and practical exams.

The required courses below are from Crave Beauty Academy's published catalog.

Required Courses

NameTotal
Facials, cleansing, toning, massaging120
Make up application, all phases100
Hair removal30
Body treatments, aromatherapy, wraps120
Reflexology35
Cosmetic chemistry, products and ingredients75
Cosmetic sciences, structure, condition, disorder85
Salon Mgmt. and salesmanship55
Sanitation and disinfection safety45
State Law10
Advanced curriculum defined by Crave Beauty Academy75
Totals750

Required Courses

Name
Facials, cleansing, toning, massaging
Make up application, all phases
Hair removal
Body treatments, aromatherapy, wraps
Reflexology
Cosmetic chemistry, products and ingredients
Cosmetic sciences, structure, condition, disorder
Salon Mgmt. and salesmanship
Sanitation and disinfection safety
State Law
Advanced curriculum defined by Crave Beauty Academy
Totals

Career Outcomes

Careers. Esthetics graduates work as skin care specialists, makeup artists, manufacturer technicians, platform artists and educators, salon consultants, distributor store managers and academy educators.

Career help. Placement help includes resume writing, mock job interviews and salon exposure, and the Rising Star Program brings salon owners and managers to the academy to meet students. Students are enrolled in the Beauty Cast Network career placement system, and employment is not guaranteed.

What to expect as a Crave student

The Ballwin campus. The St. Louis-area campus on Manchester Road spans more than 10,400 square feet, with three classrooms, a student salon, areas for guest services, and space for business and social media training.

Student life. Students arrive in professional attire with hair styled and makeup applied, and the student café is the place for breaks. The academy offers help locating housing or roommates, reduced prices on selected professional education, and a library of materials, and every service in the student salon and spa is performed under licensed instructors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is your cosmetology program?
Students can complete our accredited cosmetology program in as little as 1500 hours. In the state of Kansas and Missouri, students are required to have at least 1500 hours of experience before they can become a cosmetologist.
How long is your esthetics program?
Our accredited esthetics program can be completed in as little as 750 or 1000 hours, depending on campus. Our Kansas location offers a 1000 hour course, and Missouri offers 750 hours, as per state regulations.
What is ITEC?
ITEC qualifications are recognized internationally, making them valuable for professionals who wish to work in various countries. The organization sets high standards for courses, ensuring that learners receive a quality education that prepares them for the demands of the industry. ITEC also works with regulatory bodies in different countries to ensure that their qualifications align with national standards.
Can students work outside of the United States after completing one of your beauty programs?
Yes! As the only ITEC approved academy in our area, students have the opportunity to receive an international certificate. ITEC is an international examination board that allows students an international certificate that would qualify them to work in over 33 countries. To do this students will need to pass the ITEC examination after completing the beauty program of their choice. Look up our ITEC certification page on our website to learn more. ITEC program is available on a limited basis. ITEC may not be offered each year. The specific campus will offer more details about the availability.
Do I need to do anything before I apply to one of your programs?
To apply for one of our programs, you must have a high school diploma or GED and be at least 17 years of age. Call our admissions line at 1-316-943-5516 for our Wichita location and at 1-636-394-7335 for our St. Louis location. We’ll go over step-by-step what you need to apply.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes! We offer financial aid to those who qualify. You can apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what you may qualify for. Financial aid is currently not offered for the nail technology, ITEC, or Instructor Training Programs.
What services do you offer at your student salon and spa?
Both student salon and spa locations offer a variety of beauty services. Cuts & styles, color, hand & foot treatments, waxing, make-up and facials are just some of the services our students offer to the public. All services are performed by trained students under the direct supervision of licensed instructors. Check out our services page for our Wichita and St. Louis student salon and spas on our website to learn more.
When is your student salon and spa open?
The hours for our student salon and spa are listed below: Monday-Thursday- 9:30 am-9:30 pm Friday- 9:30 am-4:30 pm Saturday- Closed Sunday- Closed
What do students learn in the esthetics program?
In our esthetics program students will learn all about skin care and how to help clients achieve healthy and beautiful skin. Students in this program will learn about facials, hair removal, body treatments, and more. For more information about the program and what students learn, check out our esthetics program page on our website.
What do students learn in your cosmetology program?
In our cosmetology program, students can learn a variety of beauty techniques to help prepare them for a future in cosmetology. Hair cutting and design, makeup, skin care, and nails are some of the techniques students are taught at Crave Beauty Academy. This program is divided into four distinct phases to help our students gradually gain the necessary skills of a cosmetologist. Read our cosmetology program page on our website to learn more.
How do I become a cosmetologist?
In the state of Kansas and Missouri, students need to complete 1500 hours in a cosmetology program at a licensed beauty school. After finishing their cosmetology courses, students will then need to pass the state’s cosmetology board exams. At Crave Beauty Academy our cosmetology program is 1500 hours and prepares students to sit for the licensure exam.
Can students learn outside of the classroom?
Yes! Crave Beauty Academy is now incorporating the Pivot Point Advanced Academy into our cosmetology program. This educational system is designed to help students with their beauty education in and out of the classroom. Students bring this education system everywhere, which means that they will continually be learning. Read our blog about Pivot Point to learn more.
How is tuition determined for the programs?
Tuition varies based on the program and location. It’s best to consult directly with the academy’s business office for specific tuition details. However, financial aid is available to those who qualify. You may also pay for school with scholarships and other resources, so don’t let the cost of school hold you back.
Is Financial Aid available for programs at Crave Beauty Academy?
Financial Aid availability varies by program and campus. It’s recommended to check with the academy’s business office for specific details. However, financial aid is not available for the nail program or instructor training program.
Does Crave Beauty Academy offer continuing education opportunities after completing a program?
Yes, there are opportunities like Study Abroad Trips, Advanced Service Classes, and other educational programs, depending on availability and student interest.
How often do programs start at Crave Beauty Academy?
Start dates vary by program and campus. It’s best to consult the academy directly for specific program start dates.
How long does it take to become an esthetician?
The esthetician program at our main campus in Wichita, KS is 1,000 hours. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 29 weeks, while part-time students can complete it in as few as 50 weeks. The esthetician program at our St. Louis, MO is 750 hours.
What is the difference between esthetics and cosmetology?
Esthetics is concentrated on the services that are provided at a professional spa, such as skincare, facials, and body treatments. Cosmetology covers a wider range of beauty services, including hair, nails, skincare, and makeup. Crave Beauty Academy offers programs for both esthetics and cosmetology.
What careers can a licensed esthetician have?
An esthetician has a number of career options available, including a skincare specialist in a spa, makeup artist, product technician, and academy instructor. Some estheticians may choose to own or manage their own spa or work for a company that sells or distributes esthetic products. Crave Beauty Academy trains students in the skills and techniques of esthetics as well as the business aspects, so you can be well prepared for whatever esthetics-related career you choose.
How much does it cost to attend the esthetics program?
At Crave Beauty Academy we believe we provide an excellent value for the quality of education that you will receive. As an accredited school, we are able to offer financial aid to those who qualify as well as other payment options. Check with the admissions advisors or see our Financial Aid page to learn more about the cost of attending and ways to make your beauty education more affordable.
Do esthetics students actually get to work on real clients?
Yes! We offer a number of esthetics services to our clients in our student clinics. For example, in Wichita, we offer custom facial services, body treatments, and advanced treatments like microdermabrasion. Our St. Louis student clinic also offers custom facials, body treatments, and advanced treatments. Clients can also buy skin enhancement services and sunless spray tanning services. Students work directly under the supervision of a licensed insturctors at all times, and they gain invaluable professional experience.
What is the first step to enrolling in the esthetics program?
Contact our helpful admissions team to schedule a tour of the campus of your choice. You will also have a personal interview with a member of our team. We will answer your questions, provide you with the information you need to apply to our school and help you feel more comfortable being a part of the Crave Beauty Academy family.
Ready to get started?
Request information about Esthetics (Ballwin) at Ballwin.
Esthetics (Ballwin)