Cosmetology Schools in Iowa

Iowa has 17 schools with cosmetology programs in this directory: 3 public and 14 private. Together they graduated 389 students from these programs in the latest federal count.

Published program tuition runs from $13,000 to $27,988, with a median of $19,311 across the 21 programs that report a program price.

Graduates earned a median of $26,762 one year after finishing, where the Department of Education reports earnings for the program.

The largest programs by graduates are at Aveda Institute-Des Moines, Capri College-Dubuque and Capri College-Davenport.

17
Schools with this program
389
Graduates last year
$19,311
Median program tuition
$26,762
Median earnings, 1 yr after

All 17 cosmetology schools in Iowa

Sorted by size. Tap a name for details.

Aveda Institute-Des Moines

West Des Moines, IA

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Certificate
Program tuition
$21,100
Length
14 months
Graduates last year
70
Median earnings, 1 yr
$31,868
Type
Private for-profit

Capri College-Dubuque

Dubuque, IA

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Certificate
Program tuition
$19,180
Length
13 months
Graduates last year
62
Median earnings, 1 yr
$23,989
Type
Private for-profit

Capri College-Davenport

Davenport, IA

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Certificate
Program tuition
$19,180
Length
13 months
Graduates last year
56
Median earnings, 1 yr
$27,508
Type
Private for-profit

Capri College-Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids, IA

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Certificate
Program tuition
$19,180
Length
13 months
Graduates last year
50
Median earnings, 1 yr
$26,762
Type
Private for-profit

PCI Academy-Ames

Ames, IA

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Certificate
Program tuition
$27,988
Length
16 months
Graduates last year
43
Median earnings, 1 yr
$29,449
Type
Private for-profit

Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines

Des Moines, IA

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Certificate
Program tuition
$19,756
Length
15 months
Graduates last year
20
Median earnings, 1 yr
$24,424
Type
Private for-profit

PCI Academy-Iowa City

Iowa City, IA

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Certificate
Program tuition
$27,988
Length
16 months
Graduates last year
18
Median earnings, 1 yr
$29,449
Type
Private for-profit

SOHO Hair Academy

Council Bluffs, IA

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Certificate
Program tuition
$22,131
Length
15 months
Graduates last year
13
Median earnings, 1 yr
$29,596
Type
Private for-profit

American Hair Academy

Mt. Pleasant, IA

Award
Certificate
Program tuition
$17,590
Length
14 months
Graduates last year
7
Median earnings, 1 yr
$15,430
Type
Private for-profit

Common questions

How much does cosmetology training cost in Iowa?

The median published tuition is $19,311 (range $13,000 to $27,988, 21 programs reporting). The lowest listed prices are at Faust Institute of Cosmetology-Spirit Lake ($13,000), American Hair Academy ($17,590) and Capri College-Dubuque ($19,180). Public community and technical colleges often charge less but report tuition per year rather than per program, so check each school's net price calculator.

How long does cosmetology school take?

Programs that report a length take a median of 14 months to finish (12 to 16 months). Certificates are shorter; associate degrees usually take about two years.

How much do cosmetology graduates earn?

Across 21 programs with reported outcomes, the median graduate earned $26,762 one year after finishing (U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard). Earnings vary by program and local labor market.

Are there public cosmetology programs in Iowa?

Yes. 3 public schools offer it, including Iowa Lakes Community College, Iowa Central Community College and Northeast Iowa Community College.

Data: U.S. Department of Education: IPEDS 2024-25 and College Scorecard (October 2026 release). Listings change; confirm details with the school before you go. How this directory is built.