Cosmetology is a Certificate program offered by Paul Mitchell The School Austin in Austin, TX. The program takes 1,000 clock hours: full time at 30-32 hours a week, or Night School at 20 hours a week to complete, with a total tuition of $15,000.
Program Overview
Cosmetology, 1,000 clock hours. The curriculum involves 1000 hours to satisfy Texas state requirements. The course includes extensive instruction and practical experience in cutting, hair coloring, perming, customer service, personal appearance and hygiene, personal motivation and development, retail skills, client record keeping, business ethics, sanitation, state laws and regulations, salon-type administration, and job interviewing. Graduates are prepared to be an entry level cosmetologist.
How the course is divided. The first 180-192 hours are pre-clinical classroom instruction, where Future Professionals develop foundational knowledge and practical skills through classroom workshops, demonstrations, theory instruction and guided practice. In the clinic classroom they then apply classroom learning through supervised practical instruction and guest services, refining technical skills, consultation and communication, guest experience and professional work habits.
Language. This course is taught in English. Textbooks and course materials are only offered in the English language.
What sets this Program apart
Three levels. Future Professionals are guided by Learning Leaders through the cosmetology program's three levels (Core, Adaptive and Creative), taking on more advanced techniques and building real-world skills and confidence as they move through each stage. The curriculum includes Paul Mitchell Advanced Education's proprietary Cutting System, Color System, Texture System, Short Hair System, and Makeup System.
- Core. Begin in the classroom with simulated products and mannequins, building foundational theory and technical basics through micro-exercises with close coaching: braiding, up-styling and finishing, perming and smoothing, hair coloring and lightening, precision haircutting, and manicure, pedicure, makeup and facials.
- Adaptive. Use real chemical products and live models for the first time, completing full exercises under close supervision in a salon-like environment.
- Creative. Take on more independent work, perfect speed, timing and frequency of services, prepare a career portfolio and prepare to pass the State Board test.
- Phase Two. An optional course of intensive study within the Cosmetology program: accelerated guest booking, team-based guest service systems, goal setting, special Phase Two guest artists and coaching on advanced skills.
- Student kit. Future Professionals unwrap their own professional kit: hot styling tools, mannequin heads, combs and brushes, scissors and clips, and much more.
Admission Requirements and Process
High school education or equivalent. To qualify for admission, a prospective student must provide verifiable documentation of a high school diploma (a foreign diploma equivalent to a U.S. diploma qualifies), a recognized equivalent such as a GED or HiSET certificate, completed homeschooling at the secondary level as defined by state law, or at least 60 semester or 72 quarter credit hours acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree. The school does not accept ability to benefit (ATB) students.
Admission procedures. All new and transfer students complete an application for admission and pay the $25.00 application fee (an application cannot be processed until the fee is received), complete an interview with an admissions advisor, provide a current, original government-issued photo ID in the name used on the application, and provide high school or equivalency verification documents. A student's self-certification is not sufficient. Foreign diplomas must be translated and evaluated by a NACES member agency, at the applicant's cost.
Decision. The admissions team and director review each applicant's materials and notify the applicant of the decision in writing; an admitted applicant is told the next steps to enroll. A denied applicant may appeal in writing to the School Director.
Visas and licensure. Federal financial aid is not available to an applicant with a non-immigrant visa, an individual must be authorized to work in the United States to take the state licensure exam, and the school is not eligible to enroll international students on an I-20 student visa. The state may refuse a license for certain criminal convictions; students may request a criminal history evaluation letter from TDLR.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentProvide verifiable documentation of a high school diploma, a GED or HiSET certificate, completed homeschooling, or 60 semester credit hours toward a bachelor's degree.
- No ability to benefitThe school does not accept ability to benefit (ATB) students, and a self-certification of high school completion is not sufficient.
- Application and feeComplete an application for admission and pay the $25.00 non-refundable application fee before you are admitted.
- Admissions interviewAll applicants must complete an interview with an admissions advisor.
- Photo identificationPresent a current, original government-issued photo ID that matches the name used on your application.
- Authorization to workYou must be authorized to work in the United States to take the Texas state licensure exam after graduating.
Application Process
- 1Request informationAsk about the Cosmetology program, class start dates and schedules.
- 2Admissions interviewEvery applicant completes an interview with an admissions advisor.
- 3Application for admission and feeThe application for admission is processed once the $25.00 application fee is received.
- 4Identity and education documentsProvide a current government-issued photo ID and your high school or equivalency verification documents.
- 5Apply for financial aidComplete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using Federal School Code 041254.FAFSA Code for Austin: 041254FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- 6Orientation and first dayAll students attend orientation for their scheduled class start date.
Program Schedule
Length. Cosmetology is 1,000 clock hours. Choose a full-time schedule of 30 to 32 hours a week or Night School part time at 20 hours a week:
| Option | Days | Time | Hours per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Full Time | Tuesday - Thursday | 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (10 hrs per day) | 30 |
| 4-Day Full Time | Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (7.5 hrs per day) | 30 |
| 5-Day Full Time | Monday - Thursday; Friday | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (6.5 hrs); Friday 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (6 hrs) | 32 |
| Night School Part Time | Monday - Thursday | 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (5 hrs per day) | 20 |
Class start dates. 2026 Day School: January 13, February 24, April 21, June 2, July 14, September 1, October 20, December 8. 2026 Night School: January 20, February 23, April 20, June 1, July 13, August 31, October 19, December 7. 2027 Day School: January 26, March 9, May 4, June 22, August 10, September 21, November 2, December 14. 2027 Night School: January 25, March 8, May 3, June 14, August 16, September 27, November 15.
Holidays and closures (2026). New Year's, January 1-2; Martin Luther King Day, January 19; Memorial Day, May 25; Labor Day, September 7; Thanksgiving, November 26-27; Christmas break, December 23-25; and monthly staff training days.
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: Paul Mitchell The School Austin is a main campus nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
- 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 (1,000 clock hours) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $15,000.00 |
| Application Fee (nonrefundable) | $25.00 |
| Registration Fee | $75.00 |
| TDLR Fee (nonrefundable) | $25.00 |
| Technical Kit | $1,897.72 |
| Textbooks (nonrefundable) | $298.10 |
| Digital Kit (nonrefundable) | $397.13 |
| Sales Tax | $213.91 |
| Total costs (as printed) | $17,931.87 |
The printed total does not add up by one cent. The catalog (and the school's Cosmetology page) print total costs of $17,931.87, but the listed tuition and fees add up to $17,931.86. Both figures are shown here; neither is chosen as the total.
Textbook. Pivot Point Fundamentals: Cosmetology Digital App, two-year subscription: $298.10 plus $24.59 sales tax. The Cosmetology Education Kit (apps and materials) is included in the cost of tuition for students who pay for the full program; transfer students purchase it for $534.00.
Transfer and re-entry students. Transfer students and students who are approved to re-enter their program are assessed a per clock hour rate of $15.00 for the remainder of their program, and transfer students purchase the education kit at an additional cost.
Paying. The school accepts cash, credit card, and personal check payments. A convenience fee of 3.5% is applied to payments made through Coursekey and/or ACH. The total charges for a period of attendance are equivalent to the cost of the entire program, due to the length of the program. Financial aid recipients understand that monies received on their behalf are applied first to tuition costs.
Federal financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. The school participates in the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Direct PLUS Loan programs. A FAFSA must be completed at studentaid.gov to apply for all federal aid, using Federal School Code 041254; students re-apply every academic year. Federal financial aid is not available to an applicant with a non-immigrant visa.
Veterans. Per VA regulation, only mandatory fees may be billed to the VA; the Technical Kit, Textbooks and Digital Kit are not mandatory fees, so students using VA benefits arrange other payment for them. The school will not penalize a student using Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31) benefits while their VA payment is pending.
Net price and living costs. Prospective students are encouraged to use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate. The school's Cost of Attendance page lists indirect costs (housing and food, transportation and personal expenses) of $2,020 for a student living with a parent and $3,015 for one living away from parents, based on monthly averages that may be prorated.
Cancellation. A student who cancels the enrollment agreement not later than midnight of the third day after signing it (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) receives a full refund of money paid; after that, unused tuition, fees and other charges are refunded under the institutional refund policy in the catalog.
Curriculum
Course subjects. The instructional program meets or exceeds the state requirements. Learning moves from the Core Curriculum through the clinic classroom and classroom learning experiences (cutting, coloring, texture, makeup, skin and nails) to the Adaptive and Creative phases. Students must score 70% or higher on theory exams, Core written and practical exams, two final exams and a mock state board practical, and complete all MyPortico skill assessments.
Required Courses
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Career opportunities. Career opportunities include, but are not limited to, Hair Stylist, Color Stylist, Makeup Artist, Barber, Nail Technician, Educator, Salon Owner or Manager, Product Trainer, Platform Artist, Esthetician, and many more.
Placement assistance. Although the school does not guarantee employment upon graduation, it maintains an aggressive job placement program and informs students of job openings and opportunities. It coordinates placement programs with local and national salons by sending out surveys and inviting salon owners and guest artists to teach and speak, and offers employment assistance including training in professionalism, resume development, job interview preparation and job search skills. Career Services is available to students throughout their training and continues to offer assistance beyond graduation.
Outcomes. The school's performance statistics for calendar year 2024, as reported to NACCAS: graduation 80.42%, placement 65.05%, licensure 98.13%.
Licensure. When a student has met all graduation requirements, hours are released to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) within 10 days; to be eligible to take the state exam, students must have completed all required hours and paid the school in full. Students who are not U.S. citizens or who lack documented authority to work in the United States are not eligible to take the state licensure examination.
What to expect as a Paul Mitchell The School Austin student
The campus. Established in 2013 in North Austin, the school is located in the Gateway Shopping Center, minutes from the Domain, with close proximity to Pflugerville, Round Rock, Hutto and Georgetown. The facility is fully equipped for modern hair design, barbering and skin care and includes student lockers, client reception and work areas, private classrooms, workstations and equipment. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Future Professionals and Learning Leaders. Students are called Future Professionals and are guided by Learning Leaders. Guided and supervised by licensed stylists, Future Professionals deliver a premium service experience to guests while they complete their education.
Digital support. Students have on-the-go access to schoolwork, advice from industry leaders, the Paul Mitchell cutting and coloring apps and the Business Fundamentals: Connecting to My Future curriculum, and record completed skills in the MyPortico app.
Giving back and clubs. Future Professionals donate their time, talent and energy to various charities through cut-a-thons, fashion shows and other fundraising events. The student-run Green Team teaches the school and local communities how to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Student services. The school keeps a file of information about housing in the surrounding area (it does not offer housing), provides academic advising, advice on licensure and reciprocity, resume and job search assistance, and referrals to mental health counseling. All students attend orientation for their scheduled class start date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Other Programs at Austin
Paul Mitchell The School Austin in Austin, TX also offers these 3 programs at 9503 Research Blvd, Building 3, Suite 310, Austin, TX 78759.