How Much Is Esthetician School? Full Guide

With an estimated 183,000 licensed estheticians in the United States alone, you’ll need to hone and develop your beauty skills to keep up with the competition. Becoming a licensed esthetician takes the right training and schooling, but like most things in life, it costs money. So just how much is esthetician school? How can you afford it? And what other expenses await as you embark on your professional beauty journey? 

This guide will cover what you need to know before applying, such as the average cost of esthetician school, plus some other expenses you’ll need to consider, and how to pay for it all. 

Average Cost of Esthetician School

Esthetician school tuition costs in the United States vary by program. However, tuition is only one part of the equation. Here, we lay out some of the associated expenses of earning your degree, including kits and other materials, plus esthetician license costs. 

Tuition fees

The institution’s location, reputation, program length, and whether it maintains a public or private status can all affect the final tuition cost. Typically, the average cost of esthetician school ranges between $5,000 and $15,000. This amount may or may not include the cost of books or applicable taxes, which can add hundreds to thousands more dollars to the total. 

Kits and supplies

Most programs require a technical kit full of tools you’ll need to complete your training. This may include facial machines, skincare products, makeup, tweezers, wipes, and other necessary items. If your esthetician school tuition costs do not include these materials, you can expect to pay between $200 to $2,500. 

Licensing fees

Esthetician license costs comprise a small portion of your expenses. These may include application fees, exam fees, and any additional registration fees with the state, usually between $100-$300. 

How to Pay for Esthetician School: 4 Ways

If you find the average cost of esthetician school to be higher than what you can personally manage, there are several financing alternatives to fund your education. 

Scholarships

Many schools, non-profit organizations, and beauty industry associations offer scholarships. Scholarships are a type of financial aid that cover some or all of a student’s college costs without the need for repayment. Some esthetic scholarships include: 

• Sydell L. Miller “Total Image” Scholarship: Up to $7,500
• Hydrafacial “Glow Getter” Esthetics Student Scholarship: Up to $5,000
• “Find Your Passion” Esthetics Student Scholarship: Up to $5,000
• My Salon Suite Student Scholarship: $1,000

Loans

Whether you go the federal or private route, loans can help supplement your tuition, materials, and license costs. Graduating esthetician school and earning certifications doesn’t guarantee employment, so do your research in regards to repayment terms, interest rates, and all the fine print. 

Payment plans 

Some programs may not offer financial aid, but they will allow you to pay in installments, which breaks down the tuition fees into more affordable monthly installments. Other options might include short-term deferred payments, which provides an interest-free period of time without payments. 

Employer sponsorship

If you already work at a salon, you can see if the business offers employer sponsorship. Through this method, employers may elect to cover some or all of your education in order to get you the right training and background to establish your career as an esthetician. 

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3 Other Expenses of Becoming an Esthetician

Tuition, books, kits, licenses – and that’s not all. Below are some few other expenses you’ll need to consider when outlining your financial burden. 

1. Professional attire

Working as an esthetician may require you to purchase uniforms, tunics, smocks, or scrubs (especially if you work in a med spa). And don’t forget the comfortable shoes! If you work independently, these qualify as official business expenses which you can deduct from your taxes. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars a year on work gear. 

2. Tools for performing various treatments

Having a training kit is one thing, but once you’re ready to start your business, you’ll need to invest in some more long-term equipment and supplies. This may include laser or IPL machines, microdermabrasion tools, waxing kits, and chemical peel products. While some of the smaller tools and materials can cost a few hundred dollars, some of the larger laser machines can cost up to $20,000 or more. 

GlossGenius Loans offers loan amounts between $1,000 and $250,000 to help you stock up on the equipment and tools you’ll need to run your business. 

3. Professional liability insurance 

Liability insurance can help protect your business (and yourself) from damages, claims, and lawsuits. Even with the top training at the best school, you can’t control how every client’s body will react to treatment. When it comes to coverage, it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Depending on the insurer (and the state), most liability insurance plans can cost anywhere from a few dollars a month to several hundred (or thousand) dollars a year. 

Grow Your Beauty Career with GlossGenius

Pursuing an esthetician career can be a rewarding experience, and with the right training, it can be a successful one too. As an esthetician, you can perform services like skin analysis, waxing, facials, peels, extractions, eyelash extensions, and makeovers. While some basic services (like spray tanning and hair styling) may not require an esthetician license, earning one can open you up to a broader range of offerings, allowing you to diversify your business and attract more clients. 

GlossGenius is the ultimate platform for beauty business owners to scale their business and expand their brand. With Online Booking, clients can book time in your calendar 24/7, no logins or sign-ups required. Reports & Analytics will provide tracking, metrics, and insights on your business data so you can always strategize the best way to meet your goals. And with GlossGenius’ Marketing features, you can automate your text and email blasts so clients are always up to date on the newest promos and offerings.

Try GlossGenius today and take advantage of our multiservice platform for 14 days – free!

FAQs

How can I pay for esthetician school?

There are a number of ways you can obtain the funds to support your esthetician education: scholarships, grants, private loans, federal financial aid, installment plans, and employer sponsorship. You can even try crowdfunding your education. Be wary of borrowing money from just any institution, though, and always read the fine print of any loan contract. 

Is esthetician school worth the cost?

If you’re passionate about skin care and want to make a career out of giving people the confidence they’re looking for, getting the proper training is absolutely worth it. Many states require licensure for advanced skin care services like waxing, LED light facials, and chemical peels. So unless you’re only looking to provide services like makeup application or retail product sales, earning your degree can be a step in the right direction. 

How much is it to become an esthetician?

Costs will vary depending on where you’re located. However, with tuition, materials, supplies, books, licensing, additional certifications, and continuing education, you can end up spending between $10,000-$20,000 to become a professional esthetician. 

How long does it take to be an esthetician in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Board of Cosmetology requires all estheticians receive at least 750 hours of training to qualify for their licensure. 

How long is esthetician school in North Dakota?

The North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology requires all estheticians receive at least 600 hours of training to qualify for their licensure.

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