How long is cosmetology school and when can I start?

Our cosmetology program is 1200 hours, typically completed in 9 months. We operate on a 9-month rotating “wheel,” with new entry points available year-round. Please contact our admissions team in order to map out the upcoming start dates.

Do I need prior experience?

No. Beginners are welcome. You just need a high school diploma or GED by the time you graduate.

Do I have to take a state exam?

Yes. At the 1,000 hour mark, Hyphen will generate an invitation to test for the State exam.

Is financial aid available?

We are in the process of getting accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) and we are scheduled to be accredited in March 2026. In the meantime, we offer interest-free payment plans so you only need to pay $600 at enrollment and the balance can be paid monthly while you are in school. You will not have any student debt when you graduate.

What books are required for the class?

We use the latest Milady textbooks. Please bring the books (or e-books) to your first day of class: Milady Standard Cosmetology Textbook, 14th Edition and Foundations Workbook Bundle, ISBN: 978-0-357-87149-2. Spanish speakers will use the following textbooks: Milady Standard Cosmetology Spanish Textbook, 13th Edition. ISBN: 978-1-285-77262-2; Milady Standard Cosmetology Spanish Exam Review, 2016 Edition. ISBN: 978-1-285-76958-5; Milady Standard Cosmetology Spanish Study Guide, 13th Edition. ISBN: 978-1-285-76964-6.

Cosmetology Students at Hyphen Beauty School in Orlando

The Cost of Cosmetology School in Orlando, Florida

When choosing a cosmetology school, cost is one of the biggest factors to consider. Many students hear about “financial aid” and assume it means beauty school will be completely covered — but that’s rarely the case.

Let’s break down exactly how financial aid works, how much of your tuition the Pell Grant actually covers, and why Hyphen Beauty School’s $8,000 tuition makes it one of the smartest, most affordable choices in Florida.

1. Understanding Financial Aid for Cosmetology

Financial aid typically comes in two forms:

Grants (free money): how much you get is usually based on your parent's income and does not need to be repaid.

Loans (borrowed money): must be paid back with interest after graduation.

The most common grant for beauty school students is the Federal Pell Grant. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need. However, the Pell Grant has strict income limits and the maximum award amount is just $7,395.

2. How Much Does the Pell Grant Actually Cover?

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2025–2026 academic year is $7,395. This number scales down quickly based on how much you or your parents reported in your last 1040 tax return.

That means:

Even if you qualify for the maximum, it covers only part of your tuition and fees.

Many students receive less — sometimes only $2,000–$4,000 — if their parents or household income exceeds the low-income threshold.

Pell Grants are designed to assist, not to fully fund your education. For most students, the remaining balance must be paid through federal student loans or personal financing.

3. Why Tuition Costs Matter — Aveda vs. Hyphen

Here’s where things get eye-opening.

School

Total Tuition

Pell Grant (Max)

Total Out of Pocket (or loans)

Aveda Institute

~$21,000

$7,395

~$13,605

Hyphen Beauty School

$7,995

N/A

$7,995

Paul Mitchell

~$18,000

$7,395

~$10,605

Even if you receive the full Pell Grant, you’d still owe more than $14,000 at Aveda — money you’d need to borrow and repay with interest.

At Hyphen, your total cost is significantly lower than Aveda or Paul Mitchell even if you were to get the full Pell Grant. Additionally, Hyphen provides interest-free financing during your time in school so you only pay $890 per month and graduate debt-free.

5. Is the Name Brand Worth It?

Aveda, Paul Mitchell, and other chain schools often advertise national presence, but the reality is that Florida sets curriculum standards so there is very little variance between what is taught at each school.

So the question is whether a chain brand makes a difference? Salon owners will tell you that they have been burned hiring students from branded schools because "they don't even know the basics." Chain brand names do not make a difference - graduates who don't have the skills won't even last a month.

You’ll earn the same state-issued cosmetology license regardless of where you study. At the end of the day, your license and skillset—not your school’s brand—determine your income potential.

When looking at skillset, it more important to look at the following metrics:

Look at the student-teacher ratio for your class. If the ratio is too high, students are not going to get enough individual attention regardless of how great the instructor may be.

Look at the Google reviews for the school left by students (filter out reviews left by clients getting public service).

During the tour, ask how much time is spent doing hands-on work. The more instructor-led practical work you can get, the better.

6. Why Choose Hyphen

Affordable Tuition ($7,995) – less than half the price of the national brands.

Fast 9-Month Program – start earning money as a licensed cosmetologist sooner (other schools take 10-12 months to complete).

3-Day Hybrid Schedule – allows you to continue working while attending school.

Top ranked School – Read our reviews on Google and see what students have to say about their experience at our school.

You don’t need to spend +$20,000 to earn your cosmetology license. At Hyphen, you’ll get the same license, the same career opportunities, and a much smarter financial start.

7. Visit Each School Before Deciding

We cannot stress how important it is to visit the school. Meet instructors, observe a class, and chat with current students. Pay attention to the atmosphere—supportive energy matters.

During your Hyphen Campus Tour, you’ll see live classes, the student salon in action, and the eLearning portal. Most visitors say the modern vibe and friendly instructors make the decision easy.

Cosmetology Students working together as a class

Ready to Begin Your Beauty Journey?

Your dream career starts with one step — enrolling in cosmetology school. Take control of your future and join the growing number of women in Orlando who’ve transformed their lives through beauty education.

Schedule a campus tour today or contact Hyphen Beauty School to learn more about upcoming class start dates.

Schedule a Tour

And picture your next career evolution

How do You Get Your Cosmetology License in Florida

A comprehensive guide covering the path from enrollment to licensure – including required training hours, state board exams, and application process in Florida.

Cosmetology School vs. Traditional College: Which Path is Right for You?

If you’ve ever wondered whether to go to college or beauty school, you’re not alone. Many students — especially women in their 20s and 30s — want a meaningful career but aren’t sure if a four-year degree is worth the time and debt.

Cosmetology vs. Esthetician: Choosing the Right Beauty Career

An in-depth comparison of the cosmetologist and esthetician roles, training scope, and career opportunities. This will clarify the differences (e.g. cosmetology covers hair, nails, basic skin; esthetics focuses on advanced skin care).

Career Opportunities After Cosmetology School

An exploration of various career paths a cosmetology license opens up. We’ll discuss working as a hairstylist or colorist in salons, becoming a makeup artist or nail technician, jobs in spas or resorts, freelance and mobile services, opportunities in entertainment (photo shoots, film, theater), and even salon ownership

How to Choose the Right Cosmetology School

Guidance on evaluating and selecting a beauty school. Key factors include accreditation and state approval, program length and schedule flexibility, tuition cost and financial aid options, school reputation and reviews, job placement support, and location convenience. For local relevance, stress the importance of visiting campuses and considering schools with strong ties to the Orlando beauty industry.

What is the Cost of Financing Cosmetology School

Online Cosmetology School Offerings in Orlando

What are the options for going to cosmetology school online? If you’ve always dreamed of becoming a licensed cosmetologist but worry that school will take too much time away from work or family, you’re not alone.

Ready to Take the Leap?

If you’re looking for a cosmetology school near you in Orlando, Hyphen Beauty School offers the perfect balance of flexibility, quality training, and career support. Don’t let distance, cost, or scheduling hold you back from pursuing your passion.

With small classes, bilingual instruction, and a curriculum designed to prepare you for the Florida state exam, you’ll graduate confident, licensed, and career-ready in just nine months.

Book your tour today and see why Hyphen is one of Orlando’s top choices for cosmetology training. Call our admissions staff at (321) 323-3216 so they can arrange a tour and block off 5-minutes with your future instructor.