Esthetics

Schedule. Full-time students attend 32.5 hours a week for about 4 months (14 weeks), with a maximum of 21 weeks; part-time students attend 22.5 hours a week for about 5 months (20 weeks), with a maximum of 30 weeks. Full-time day classes are scheduled to start on January 6, March 11, May 12, July 14, September 16 and November 17, 2026, and a part-time evening class on March 25, 2026; start dates are subject to change.

Attendance. Classes start promptly at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and students attending five or more hours in a day clock out for a half-hour lunch. Students keep at least 67% cumulative attendance, all absences are unexcused, and a student absent for 14 consecutive days may be terminated.

Leave of absence. The academy may approve a written leave of absence for medical, legal or other serious circumstances, up to 180 calendar days in a 12-month period and without additional charges; a leave is not recommended in the first 8 weeks for full-time students or 11 weeks for part-time students.

Students who exceed the maximum time limit without documented extenuating circumstances are charged $18.44 an hour.

Financial aid. Metro Beauty Academy participates in Federal Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and PLUS loans for students who qualify, and in VA education benefits. It accepts cash, check, credit card and money order, and payment plans may be arranged with the Financial Aid Office. The academy offers no scholarships of its own, but graduates of one Metro program receive a $500 discount on a second.

Cancellation and refunds. A student who cancels within three business days of signing the enrollment agreement, or before classes begin, receives all money paid except the $150 application fee. After classes begin, students are refunded 100% of tuition within the first 7 calendar days, 80% after that but below 5% of the program, 70% through 9.9%, 60% through 14.9%, 55% through 24.9%, 30% through 49.9% and nothing after 50%. Equipment, books and fees are non-refundable once incurred, and refunds are made within 30 days.

Careers. The handbook lists skin care specialist and facialist, makeup artist, medical spa attendant, wax technician and salon or spa owner or manager, with opportunities in dermatology and plastic surgery offices, chiropractic offices, health and wellness centers, hospitals, cruise ships and resorts.

Placement assistance. The academy does not guarantee employment but helps students identify employment opportunities, write résumés, build portfolios and prepare for interviews, and hosts career fairs.

The Allentown campus. Metro Beauty Academy's custom-built campus off I-78 and the Route 222 bypass has more than 16,500 square feet designed for teaching, with a full-service clinic and day spa, six traditional classrooms, a cosmetology salon floor with 50 student stations, 7 wash bowl areas and pedicure and manicure stations, a nail technology floor with 9 stations, a spa area with 20 tables and 5 sinks, retail space, and a student lunch area and patio.

Collaborative partners. The academy is supported by Pivot Point, Milady, Wella, Davines/ETHOS Beauty, Dermalogica, Face Reality, OPI, MUSE, MUD, DND and Circadia.