Cosmetology Operator is a Certificate program offered by Nuvani Institute in Austin, TX. The program takes 1,000 clock hours — 34 weeks (day) or 50 weeks (evening) to complete, with a total tuition of $16,500.
Program Overview
Get the Skills to Become a Professional Hair Stylist. If you are interested in all aspects of hair, consider a rewarding career as a Hair Stylist. Your passion to make people look beautiful can be converted into a rewarding career as a Hair Stylist.
Nuvani Institute’s Cosmetology Operator Program provides all of our students with a strong foundation in all the skills required for future specializations in the beauty industry. You will learn all the essential skills you need to get you hired at a salon, and to get your exciting new career underway.
Program objective. The objective of the Cosmetology Operator program is to provide the student with the necessary skills to perform all of the services normally associated with cosmetology, including hair styling, hair coloring, manicuring, facials, and shampooing in order to meet the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and pass the examination, both written and practical, administered prior to issuing a license to perform cosmetology services.
What sets this Program apart
Hands-On Salon Experience. Passionate Instructors. Modern Learning Environment. We provide a fast career pathway to employment in the vibrant beauty industry by offering a variety of programs ranging in length from 20 to 34 weeks. With five locations across Southwest Texas, you will feel right at home on campus while training to become a beauty professional.
- Career-Focused Programs – Programs are designed to get you relevant skills that can be used immediately upon graduation in the beauty field. You can enter the workplace knowing that you have the skills to succeed.
- On-Site Student Salon – You will have the chance to service and interact with real clients in our on-site salon. This will allow you to build your clientele while gaining experience and raising your confidence.
- No Waiting List – At Nuvani Institute, you will never get stuck on a waiting list or wait months for the next class to start. We have frequent start dates throughout the year.
- Conveniently Located – There are a variety of stores, restaurants and coffee shops located within walking distance of each campus, as well as major transit lines nearby to make travel to and from campus easy.
- A Culture of Caring – At Nuvani Institute, we see our students as family. Whatever beauty college program you choose, our friendly and knowledgeable instructors will give you the attention you need and help you to learn the skills that will lead to your new beauty career.
Trained for the business of cosmetology, too. Cosmetology schools in Austin, TX often forget that hair-stylist, esthetician, and manicurist classes concern more than just design and technique but also the business and career side of things. At Nuvani, we place a special focus on making sure you’re trained for more than just the artistry but the business of cosmetology, too!
Professional brands. Nuvani Institute has brought the finest cosmetology education and training to the Austin area for over ten years. You’ll receive extensive training in the latest professional cosmetology products and techniques, working with such state-of-the-art brands as Wella, Sebastian, Pevonia, Glo Therapeutics, Glo Minerals, and OPI.
Admission Requirements and Process
The admissions interview. A representative conducts an initial interview with the prospective student at the school. The representative will describe the school, define its objective, and ascertain what type of classes or programs the student is interested in. This is determined by asking the student questions about his/her background, career desires, and prior education or work history.
The representative will go over the appropriate course outline with the student and answer any questions concerning the course the student has selected or about the school. The student is then invited to take a guided tour of the facility to inspect the classrooms and/or the equipment that will be utilized in the course the student is interested in. The representative will explain the total cost of the program, including registration fees, tuition, and cost of books and supplies.
In short. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. Ability-to-benefit students were accepted up until June 30, 2012. Ability-to-benefit students may be accepted for enrollment if it can be verified that they have been previously enrolled as an ATB student at an accredited institution.
Documentation. It is the policy of the school to only accept documentation that adequately demonstrates that a person attended and completed their education at a legitimate high school, earned a GED, or earned an approved home school certificate. High school diplomas or official transcripts that appear to be altered or created fraudulently will not be accepted.
Credit for previous education and training. Students who desire credit for previous documented clock hours or training to be transferred from another institution, or within this organization may request this credit by notifying the admissions office or the director. Students with previous education or training may receive credit in the form of a tuition reduction by providing documentation that they have received previous training in the area for which credit is being requested. The student should request credit prior to signing the enrollment agreement.
Military transcripts. Granting credit for prior education and training, the Institution must obtain a written record of prior education and training including Military training, granting of credit when appropriate, and shorting of the program accordingly. Military transcripts must be review for veterans using any type of GI bill.
Acceptance. The school retains the right to accept or reject an applicant based on the applicant’s character references and/or scholastic performance. The school does not prohibit attendance or impose penalties while waiting on VA Payments, per 38 U.S.C. § 3679(e)(1)A&B.
Non-discrimination. Nuvani Institute admits students without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, disability, or any other factor prohibited by law. Applicants are notified promptly of their admission status.
General Requirements
- At least 17 years of ageSubmit proof of age and be at least 17 years of age.
- Enrollment ContractSign an Enrollment Contract, to be signed by a parent or guardian if the student is under the age of 18.
- High school completion or equivalentSubmit proof of a high school diploma, transcripts, or equivalent from an acceptable accredited high school; a General Education Diploma (GED) or other Department of Education…
- Foreign diplomas translated and evaluatedForeign High School Diplomas and Diplomas not in English must be translated and evaluated by a recognized agency, qualified to translate the documentation to English and confirm…
- State of Texas Student Cosmetology LicenseThe catalog lists a State of Texas Student Cosmetology License as required for the program.
- Payment arranged before classStudents may enter class only after payment of their tuition and fees has been arranged.
Application Process
- 1Meet an admissions representativeA representative conducts an initial interview at the school, goes over the appropriate course outline with you and answers any questions about the course or the school.
- 2Tour the campusYou are invited to take a guided tour of the facility to inspect the classrooms and the equipment used in your course, and to meet with students and instructors.
- 3Bring your documentsThe school asks you to bring a W2, your Social Security card, proof of high school diploma (transcripts) or GED, and transcripts if you are transferring credits.
- 4Complete the application and enrollment formsThe representative assists you in completion of an application for admission and enrollment forms, and explains what documentation is required.
- 5Meet the financial aid officer if you chooseYou may meet with the financial aid officer to determine eligibility for Federal Student Financial Assistance; file the FAFSA at fafsa.gov using school code 030215.
- 6Pay the registration feeWhen you complete the forms and pay the registration fee, you are officially enrolled in a future class and informed of the class start date.
Program Schedule
Day classes. Full-time attendance is considered thirty (30) clock hours per week. Students will attend classes from Tuesday through Saturday. Students enrolled in a full-time program will be scheduled to attend classes from 8:00 to 3:00 one week and the following week the student will attend classes from 10:00 to 5:00. The student will alternate this schedule to meet the full-time attendance requirements.
This schedule will allow the student to earn six clock hours per day and provides for a one-hour lunch. Length of program: 34 weeks, 1000 clock hours.
Evening classes at Austin. Students attending the evening program will be in class Monday through Friday. Evening students may earn 20 clock hours per week and will be required to attend from 5:30 to 9:30. The night program is 50 weeks; the catalog supplement lists night attendance at the Austin location only.
Enrollment periods. Generally, enrollment periods are on every three week period, except when specifically designated by the Director of the School. Students may be scheduled to enter at other times to coincide with class availability. Nuvani Institute is on a clock hour basis and therefore has a continuous term. Our school year is the same as the calendar year.
Official school holidays. New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Our start dates are as follows: the remaining starts on the catalog supplement’s 2026 enrollment calendar, with the graduation month it prints for each.
- 11/25/2026 — day-program graduation 07/27; night-program graduation 11/27
- 12/19/2026 — day-program graduation 08/27; night-program graduation 12/27
- November 25th, 2026
- December 19th, 2026
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
|---|---|
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous process that evaluates educational quality. The rules and regulations are strict, precise and designed to protect students.
This program: Nuvani Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of attendance. The 2026 catalog supplement prices the Cosmetology Operator program as follows:
- Tuition: $16,500.00
- Registration Fee: $100.00
- Books: $220.00
- Kit: $550.00
- Clinical Fee: $405.00
- State Cosmetology License Fee: $25.00
Total cost of program, excluding cost of room and board, transportation, child care and uniforms: $17,800.00. All tuition and fee amounts are subject to change by the Institution’s Administrators.
Costs the school does not cover. School does not provide room and board; cost will vary for each student. School does not provide transportation; cost will vary depending on distance from school. School does not provide child care, and uniforms are available at the student’s expense.
Arranging payment. Students may enter class only after payment of their tuition and fees has been arranged. The student may arrange to pay all costs of attendance by making full payment prior to beginning their program or make payments at established intervals (weekly, monthly) while enrolled in a program. Students that are eligible for federal financial aid will have the total award amount applied to tuition and fees before calculation of the payment plan.
Types of financial aid offered. The catalog supplement lists (1) Federal Pell Grants, (2) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and (3) Institutional Student Loans. The school’s financial aid page also lists William D. Ford Direct Subsidized Loans, William D. Ford Direct Unsubsidized Loans, William D. Ford Direct Parent Loan (PLUS) and Nuvani Institute Scholarships.
Applying for aid. To be considered for any type of financial aid at this Institution, students must complete a “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” every program year. A student must also be accepted by the Institution and enrolled in an eligible program. In most cases, only students that are citizens or eligible non-citizens may apply for financial aid. Financial assistance is awarded on a first come, first serve basis, therefore, it is recommended that eligible students begin the application process as early as possible.
School code 030215. Visit www.fafsa.gov to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid; the school code for the Eagle Pass, Del Rio and Austin campuses is 030215. It takes approximately 3 business days from the date that you submit the FAFSA for the school to receive it, and once it is received the school will email you eligibility information.
On Time Graduation Tuition Reward. The tuition reward amount for COP is $2,000. Students must attend 1,000 hours to graduate; a student who completes within 110% of the program (1,100 hours) from the original enrollment date receives the $2,000 Graduation Tuition Reward, credited to the student’s tuition account upon graduation. The reward cannot be combined with any other offer, and the school’s page states it is available for a limited time.
2023 gainful employment disclosure. This program is designed to be completed in 8 months-day or 12 months-night. This program will cost $17,800 if completed within normal time. Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with $5,030 of debt (including private, institutional, and Federal student debt for students who received Title IV aid).
Cancellation. A full refund will be made to any student who cancels the enrollment contract within 72 hours (until midnight of the third day excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) after the enrollment contract is signed. A full refund will also be made to any student who cancels enrollment within the student’s first three scheduled class days, except that the school may retain not more than $100 in any administrative fees charged, as well as items of extra expense that are necessary for the portion of the program attended and stated separately on the enrollment agreement.
Curriculum
The Cosmetology Operator program is 1,000 clock hours across 11 courses; the catalog’s list of courses and its synopsis of each are below.
Curriculum information. At Nuvani Institute, you gain theoretical as well as practical knowledge on hair styling. You will develop an understanding about the equipment used by a hair dresser like combs, brushes, hair clippers and rollers, hair spray, dryers and much more. Training also includes steps to be followed by a hair dresser when undertaking shampoos, scalp massage and hair straightening.
A hair stylist is a confidant whose suggestions and guidance is always sought to choose an appropriate beauty treatment. When you train at Nuvani Beauty Schools and Salon, you develop an art of understanding and managing your clients better.
Requirements for graduation. The student must complete a total of 1000 clock hours, must be able to complete within 150% of the published length of the program, and have satisfactory progress in both academic, as well as, practical training. The student must maintain an average of at least 70% on both academic and clinical work.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Total |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Becoming a Confident Hair Stylist. After graduating from our Cosmetology Operator Program, you are ready to take your state cosmetology licensing exam so you can become a fully-fledged cosmetologist. And from there, you’re well on your way up to a bright new future in the beauty industry.
Career opportunities listed on the program page:
- Salons
- Day Spas
- Product Representative
- Make-up Technician
- Hair Cutting and Shaping
- Facials
- Salon Owner
- Skin Care Specialist
- Manicuring
- Platform Artist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 44 percent of all personal appearance workers are self-employed.
Get certified and stand out to employers. As a Nuvani Institute graduate, you’ll be fully prepared and eligible to sit for the State Board examination, whether it be for Cosmetology, Manicuring, or Esthetics. Obtaining your license is the key for you to pursue employment as a Beauty professional.
Licensure. The program’s 2023 gainful employment disclosure states that it meets licensure requirements, and qualifies students to sit for the licensure exam, in Texas only.
Placement assistance. The school maintains placement assistance service to graduates. This service is available to all graduates. The school cannot “guarantee” that a graduate will receive a job in any particular career field since there are too many variables that determine whether a student is hired or not.
The school may provide job leads, but it is up to the individual student to follow-up on these leads and present themselves for an interview. Guidance is provided in the area of job-hunting techniques, including building a successful resume and job application letter.
What to expect as a Nuvani Institute student
Austin. The Austin campus is located on a shopping center at 801 E. William Cannon Dr. Suite 115. Our modern facility maintains an authentic, elegant salon atmosphere and uses the latest cosmetology equipment.
All facilities are designed to combine the proper blend of educational and business atmospheres so the student can make a smooth transition from school to business after graduation. Each campus provides offices space for the administrative staff, a student lounge, a reception area, classrooms for lectures, and laboratories for practical applications.
Office hours. The Austin office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Day classes run Tuesday to Saturday and night classes Monday to Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; the campus is closed on Sunday.
Equipment. The campus of Nuvani Institute is well equipped for hands-on experience and instruction. The Cosmetology equipment utilized at the campus is of the latest design and well maintained. Shampoo, manicure, and styling stations are located in the campus.
Attendance. It is the policy of Nuvani Institute to encourage 100% attendance of all classes in order for the student to benefit from the instructional material provided and to complete the required number of clock hours to complete the course in a timely manner. Each student must clock in/out daily to attend class.
Grading. Each student must maintain an academic average of 70% or better to qualify for graduation. The grading scale is A, 90% or above; B, 80% to 89%; C, 70% to 79%; and F, below 70%. Instructors are required to prepare a monthly progress report for each student.
Dress code. Students enrolled in cosmetology career programs must wear prescribed uniforms during class. Uniforms are available at the student’s expense, and proper hygiene and cleanliness will be maintained at all times while attending classes or on campus.
Student counseling. The administrative staff of the school will counsel the student in such areas as financial assistance, placement, housing, transportation, and personal problems that have an effect on attendance or satisfactory progress. Counseling on continuing education and career enhancement is also available on an appointment basis. Instructors are available for additional academic assistance or remedial tutoring on an as required basis.
Learning resources. Internet sites, periodicals, newspapers, professional (or business) publications, state-specific laws or codes, magazines, publisher provided information, instructor work experience, video, audio, or other visual files/documents to convey and aid in obtaining course objectives are available in the Resource Center.
Certificate upon graduation. It is the policy of Nuvani Institute that each student who satisfactorily completes the requirements for his/her course program and has paid all fees and charges will receive a certificate of completion from the school. Certificates are awarded no later than 30 days after all requirements have been met.
Testimonials
“This is really a great school! The staff is all very encouraging and they are more than just teachers, they are communicative, fun, and inspiring leaders. The students are all kinds of awesome. I went to baldwin before enrolling and did not feel excepted, or like I wanted to finish but at Nuvani they really care about you and your education instead of just being another student or dollar sign walking through the door. I have been very blessed to go to this school. So far, SO AWESOME!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Programs at Austin
Nuvani Institute in Austin, TX also offers these 2 programs at 801 E. William Cannon Dr., Suite 115, Austin, TX 78745.