College of Technology - Building Unlimited Career Opportunities
Program Options & Length:
- Program begins in August, January and May
- Program length is 1/2 to 3 1/2 semesters
- Admits 40 students each year
- Typical classroom hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 5 days per week
- Summer Session - mandatory
- Nail Technology option offered only in the Summer Session
Program Description
Cosmetologists perform a variety of beauty services which cover all phases of the beauty culture such as manicuring, shampooing, hair styling, make-up application, temporary and permanent hair waving, hair straightening, bleaching and tinting, and various skin and scalp treatments. Cosmetologists often specialize in any one or more of these services. The art of hairstyling is no longer the major activity in the cosmetology industry. It has grown to be an increasingly complex and artistic profession. Strong human relations skills and the ability to communicate with people are of major importance.
Aptitudes and Interests: Good hand, finger and eye dexterity combined with artistic and creative skills enhance the ability to succeed in this field. Communication and human relation skills are also invaluable.
Certificates & Degrees
- Technical Certificate, Cosmetology
- Postsecondary Technical Certificate, Nail Technology
Admission Steps
- Complete an application for admission and pay fees online. Be sure to click on the Professional Technical Application and select your program choice. * If you are applying for the Associate Degree Registered Nurse program, the Respiratory Therapy program or a bachelor's degree offered through the College of Technology, go to the Undergraduate Application.
- High school graduation or GED is required. Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED scores (Not required if you have submitted proof of 14 or more academic credits from an accredited institution of higher education).
- Submit an official college transcript from each accredited institution of higher education that you have attended.
- Either COMPASS or ACT scores.
- Complete the COMPASS placement test. This test enables us to place
you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
or - Submit ACT scores, (valid for seven years from date of testing).
- Complete the COMPASS placement test. This test enables us to place
you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
- Meet with one of the College of Technology advisors to finalize your acceptance. To make an appointment, call (208)282-2622.
- Apply for Financial Aid if needed. Questions — call (208)282-2756.
Note: Some programs have additional admission criteria. Contact Student Services at 208-282-2622 for assistance.
Career Opportunities
87% of 2009 Cosmetology graduates were employed in related jobs.
- Salon Ownership
- Beauty Salons and/or Spas
- Retail/Sales
- Platform artist for companies such as Redken
- Makeup artist
- Median Income in Idaho is $16,460 and nationally the median income is $20,610 in this field.*
- About 2,930 cosmetologists work in this occupation in Idaho*
* Idaho Career Information Systems data
Cost of Attendance
Fees apply to the current Idaho State University fee schedule which includes mandatory student health insurance. Students with existing health insurance coverage may waive student health insurance. Waivers are available at http://www.isu.edu/stuhlth/insurance/.
Additional program, equipment, and book costs are listed here.
Paying for College
You may apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your college education. When you pay registration fees, you are a student of Idaho State University with the privileges and responsibilities of a college student.
Affirmative Action, ADA & Equal Employment Opportunity at ISU
Idaho State University subscribes to the principles and laws of the State of Idaho and the federal government, including applicable executive orders
pertaining to civil rights. All rights, privileges, and activities of the University are made available without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, disability, national origin or veteran status. The University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Evidence of practices that are not consistent with such a policy should be reported to:
Joyce Hammond-Perry J.D.
Affirmative Action Director
Rendezvous Complex 157 Stop 8315
(208) 282-3973
ADA Policy Statement
Idaho State University is committed to equal opportunity in education for all students, including those with documented disabilities. If you have a diagnosed disability or if you believe that you have a disability that might require reasonable accomodation, please contact:
Dennis J. Toney,
ADA Disabilities and Resource Center Director
Graveley Hall 123 Box 8121
E-mail tonedenn@isu.edu
208-282-3599