Cosmetology Operator is a Diploma program offered by G.A. Beauty & Barber School in McAllen, TX. The program takes 1000 clock hours — 34 weeks full time, 50 weeks part time to complete, with a total tuition of $9,350. Total $10,575 or $9,955: the catalog prints two totals, with the Option A or the Option B kit and book.
Program Overview
Cosmetology Operator, 1000 clock hours. The program covers hair, skin and nails. The primary purpose of the Cosmetology Operator Course is to train the student in the basic manipulative skills, safety judgments, proper work habits and desirable attitudes necessary to pass the State Board examination and for competency in job entry level positions in Cosmetology or a related career path. On the school’s Courses page: unlock your creativity in hairstyling, coloring, skincare and makeup artistry; this all-in-one beauty course provides the skills and certification needed to thrive in the salon industry.
Objectives. Upon completion of the course requirements, the determined graduate will be able to project a positive attitude and a sense of personal integrity and self-confidence; practice proper grooming, effective communication skills and visual poise; understand employer-employee relationships and respect the need to deliver worthy service for value received; perform the basic manipulative skills including hair styling, shaping, bleaching, tinting, chemical reformation, scalp and hair conditioning, facials, manicures, pedicures and nail extensions; perform the basic analytical skills to determine proper makeup, hairstyle and color application for the client’s best overall look; and apply the theory, technical information and related matter to assure sound judgments, decisions and procedures. To ensure continued career success, the graduate will continue to learn new and current information related to techniques, trends, fashions and methods for career development in cosmetology and related fields.
What sets this Program apart
Accredited and financial aid-approved. G.A. Beauty & Barber School is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR). Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify, and the school also offers convenient private pay options.
Bilingual instruction (English and Spanish). The school offers comprehensive training in both English and Spanish, and its bilingual staff ensures that language is never a barrier to your success.
Over a decade of excellence. Established in 2011, the school has a track record of preparing students for real-world careers in the beauty and barbering industry.
Flexible schedules, day and night classes. The school operates Monday through Thursday with morning and afternoon classes, so you can balance work, family and school while pursuing your passion.
Hands-on learning and student salon. Get real-world experience working with actual clients in a fully equipped student salon and spa. Practice your skills, gain confidence, and graduate job-ready.
Career support and job placement assistance. From resume building to interview prep, the career services team helps you transition from student to professional; the school has partnered with professional companies to help graduates move from school to salon or shop.
On the Courses page. Hands-on training with real clients in a supervised student salon and spa; modern facilities with up-to-date equipment, tools and technology; personalized attention, with small class sizes and individual support from experienced instructors; and career guidance, from job placement to resume help.
Admission Requirements and Process
Admission procedures. Before accepting an applicant for admission, the institution provides the applicant access to the institution’s catalog at www.gabeautybarber.com or a hard copy of it. To be eligible for an operator license with the state of Texas, an applicant must be at least 17 years of age.
Admission requirements. Each student must be at least 16 years of age to be admitted into the school and have obtained a high school diploma or transcript showing high school completion, or the equivalent of a high school diploma (GED) or a state valid online diploma; or possess a recognized foreign equivalent, translated by a qualified outside agency that is also able to determine the academic equivalence to a U.S. high school diploma; or have a state-issued credential for secondary school completion for a home school or private school; or have the ability to benefit from the training under the institution’s Ability-To-Benefit Policy.
Ability-to-benefit students. A student beyond the age of compulsory education who lacks a high school diploma or its equivalent may be admitted on the basis of ability to benefit by completing, prior to admission, a nationally recognized, standardized or industry developed test that measures aptitude to complete the program, or, for programs of 600 hours or more, by satisfactorily completing 225 clock hours after enrollment.
Proof of age. The institution requests proof of age by a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, C33 visa (not Title IV eligible), or a valid driver’s license, state issued I.D. or other valid picture ID.
Transfer students. The school may recognize credit for an applicant’s previous hours of training provided they are recognized by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), and uses the SHEARS reporting system for hours that may be transferred. If a transfer student is approved for enrollment, tuition is charged at the hourly rate for the remaining hours of the course, plus enrollment fee, kit, school uniform and any other applicable fees. The institution does not solicit or encourage the transfer of students already enrolled at another postsecondary institution.
Enrollment agreement. The institution obtains a signed enrollment agreement for the specific course before the first day of class; it outlines the obligations of the institution and the student, including the refund policy, and a copy is given to the applicant before any payment is made.
General Requirements
- Minimum ageYou must be at least 16 years of age to be admitted, and at least 17 to be eligible for a Texas operator license.
- High school completionProvide a high school diploma or transcript showing high school completion, a GED, a state valid online diploma, or a state-issued credential for home school or private school…
- Foreign credentialsA foreign diploma must be translated by a qualified outside agency that can also determine its academic equivalence to a U.S. high school diploma.
- Ability to benefitWithout a diploma or equivalent, pass an approved aptitude test before admission or satisfactorily complete 225 clock hours after enrollment (programs of 600 hours or more).
- Proof of ageProvide a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, C33 visa, or a valid driver’s license, state ID or other picture ID.
- Catalog reviewReview the school catalog, at www.gabeautybarber.com or in hard copy, before you are accepted for admission.
Application Process
- 1Request informationAsk about the Cosmetology Operator program, its schedules and your start date through Request Information.
- 2Review the catalogRead the G.A. Beauty & Barber School Student Catalog, which the school provides before accepting any applicant for admission.
- 3Complete admissionsProvide proof of age and of high school completion, sign the enrollment agreement for your course, and pay the registration fee due at enrollment.
- 4Apply for financial aidComplete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov and list G.A. Beauty & Barber School, federal school code 042756.FAFSA Code for McAllen: 042756Complete the FAFSA
- 5Start classYou may start class the following Monday after completing the admissions process if there is space available; orientation is held on or before the first day of class.
Program Schedule
Cosmetology Operator, 1000 clock hours. Full time: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 7.5 hours a day, normal time to complete 34 weeks. Part time: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, 5 hours a day, 50 weeks.
Hours of operation. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for day students and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for night students. A student may start class the following Monday after completing the admissions process if there is space available, and is told on the day of enrollment when the start date will be.
Attendance. Full-time students attend 30 hours a week and part-time students 20 hours a week; students may attend more than 30 but not over 48 hours a week to make up missed hours. Students must attend a minimum of 67% of scheduled hours to make satisfactory academic progress, and the maximum time frame allowed to complete a course is 150% of its length.
2026 school closures. Spring Break March 16-19, Memorial Day, Summer Break July 27 to August 6, Labor Day September 7, Thanksgiving November 23-26, and Winter Break from December 21.
Required Courses
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Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited school means its training has been reviewed against independent standards that protect students.
This school: G.A. Beauty & Barber School is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS), a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency, and licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Reviewed against independent standards
- Recognized by employers and licensing boards
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
| Cosmetology Operator (1000 hours) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $9,350 |
| Registration Fee | $125 |
| Uniform and Student ID | $120 |
| Kit & Book (Option A) or (Option B) | $980 or $360 |
| Total | $10,575 or $9,955 |
Kit options. All students are required to purchase either the Option A kit, which is more equipped with most tools necessary to complete the program, or the Option B kit, a basic starter kit; with Option B the student will need to purchase more tools throughout the program at their own expense, through the school or on their own.
Registration fee. The tuition table lists the registration fee shown above; the catalog’s footnote to the table says an Enrollment Fee of $100.00 is payable at the time of enrollment and is non-refundable.
Paying for school. The school accepts cash, credit and debit cards, checks and money orders. Tuition payments are due on the 15th of every month, with a $500 minimum monthly payment and a $5 daily late fee after the 15th. Additional (overtime) hours beyond the contracted program length are charged at the current hourly rate of $5.66, and a re-entry fee of $250 is assessed for students re-entering the school. A change of schedule requested by the student carries an $80.00 non-refundable administration fee.
Financial aid. The school participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs and works with students to explore FAFSA, grants and loans for those who qualify: Federal Pell Grants and Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized and PLUS Loans. To link your FAFSA to the school, list federal school code 042756. Veterans Affairs education benefits and Texas vocational rehabilitation assistance are also available to eligible students.
Scholarships and payment plans. The Night Owl Scholarship is for students enrolled in evening programs who balance work and education, and the Debt-Free Scholarship helps students graduate without the burden of debt. For students who do not qualify for FAFSA, the school offers customized, interest-free monthly payment plans with no credit check required.
Cancellation and refunds. A student who cancels the enrollment agreement by midnight of the third day after signing it (excluding weekends and legal holidays), or who is not accepted, receives a full refund. After that, refunds of unused tuition and fees follow the Texas private beauty culture school refund policy (Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1602), computed on scheduled hours.
Curriculum
1000 clock hours: 300 hours of theory and lecture, 700 hours of lab and practice. The hour requirements must be met in each category for the earned hours to be accepted by the state licensing board for examination. The catalog also sets 1,300 practical experience units: infection control 325, client protection 400, hair services 400, chemical reformation 65, hair coloring 65, scalp and hair treatments 15, manicuring 15 and facials 15.
Grading. Theory is evaluated after each unit of study, and practical assignments count toward completion only when rated satisfactory; at least two comprehensive practical skills evaluations are conducted. Students must maintain a theory grade average of 70% and pass a final written and practical exam before graduation. Grades: 90-100 Excellent (A), 80-89 Very Good (B), 70-79 Satisfactory (C), 69 and under Unsatisfactory (F).
Teaching methods. Subjects are presented through interactive lecture, demonstration, cooperative learning, labs, student salon activities and student participation, with audio-visual aids, guest speakers, field trips and projects. Clinic equipment, implements and products are comparable to those used in the industry.
Graduation. A student graduates after completing the required hours of training and the curriculum requirements and meeting all financial obligations, and receives a diploma; passing the state licensing examination is then required to practise.
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Career opportunities. Careers the catalog lists for graduates include hairstylist, hair color and perm specialist, makeup artist, nail artist or manicurist, salon manager or owner, school educator or owner, freelance makeup artist, image consultant, photo and movie stylist, product distributor, sales consultant and manufacturer’s sales representative.
Career placement assistance. G.A. Beauty & Barber School strives to assist every graduate in obtaining a career related position suited to his or her needs and desires; employment is not guaranteed. A board of locally available positions in the cosmetology industry is maintained at the school.
Career considerations. The school asks applicants to consider that professionals in this field need finger dexterity and a sense of form and artistry, must enjoy dealing with the public, keep abreast of the latest fashions and techniques, and work long hours while building a clientele. The work can be physically demanding, with long hours standing or sitting at a station, involves exposure to chemicals and fumes, and compensation may be salary, commission, or independent contracting (renting space and equipment in an existing salon).
What to expect as a G.A. Beauty & Barber School student
History and mission. G.A. Beauty & Barber School was established in June 2011. Its mission is to seek a high level of perfection and distinction in its faculty, students and educational programs, and to provide a solid foundation for graduates in the many opportunities available in the beauty and barber industry.
Facility. The 6,300 square foot school includes demonstration and lecture classrooms, a fully equipped student salon floor, dispensary, computers, a small retail store, a student lounge, and faculty and administration offices.
Orientation and advising. The school conducts an orientation on or before the first day of class covering the instructional program, the goals of each course, policies and student services. The staff provide vocational guidance throughout the course, and advising on licensing regulations, reciprocity, employment and continuing education is available as needed.
Uniform and dress code. Students wear the uniform prescribed by the school: GA scrubs (top and bottoms) received or purchased at enrollment, or a GA dry-fit T-shirt with scrub bottoms, with a name tag and closed-toe shoes. Thursdays may be all-black professional attire.
Attendance and daily duties. Students clock in and out on a computerized time clock, as Texas rules require, and keep a daily record of their services. Every student is assigned daily duties, from sanitizing stations and mirrors to keeping the clinic floor clean, and does not clock out until they are done.
Housing. No institutional housing is maintained; an applicant who needs help finding local housing is referred to an appropriate agency. The school has one graduation ceremony a year.
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Other Programs at McAllen
G.A. Beauty & Barber School in McAllen, TX also offers these 6 programs at 3301 N Ware Rd, Suite A-C, McAllen, TX 78501.
- Class A BarberDiploma · 1000 clock hours — 34 weeks full time, 50 weeks part time
- Cosmetology Operator to Class A BarberDiploma · 300 clock hours — 10 weeks full time, 15 weeks part time
- EstheticianDiploma · 750 clock hours — 25 weeks full time, 38 weeks part time
- Esthetician/ManicureDiploma · 800 clock hours — 27 weeks full time, 40 weeks part time
- Hybrid Eyelash ExtensionDiploma · 320 clock hours (hybrid, 50% distance education) — 11 weeks full time, 16 weeks part time
- ManicureDiploma · 600 clock hours — 20 weeks full time, 30 weeks part time