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Cosmetology school in Minnesota

15 cosmetology programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

10 schools offer these cosmetology programs, and Minnesota has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Hairstylists and cosmetologists shampoo, cut, color and style hair. Every state requires a license: you finish a state-approved program, which usually leads to a certificate, and then pass a state licensing exam.1 In Minnesota, every program asks for a diploma or other schooling first.

See the 15 programs

How much does cosmetology school cost in Minnesota?

$9,451 to $11,661 is what most cosmetology programs in Minnesota cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 15 programs with a price. All of them: $1,490 to $20,100

In the typical program

Finished the program
64%
Working 6 months later
68%
Earned a year, estimated
about $15,900
Length
60 to 120 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Minnesota may also offer cosmetology school. How these figures are made

Is there free cosmetology school in Minnesota?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

Cosmetology school in Minneapolis, Austin, Willmar and other Minnesota cities

Choosing an area filters the list below. 6 in smaller cities and towns.

All 15 cosmetology programs in Minnesota approved for WIOA funding

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Kind of program
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15 programs

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Saint Paul College

    St. Paul

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Saint Paul College, St. Paul · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$26,600
    Price if you pay yourself$9,160
    Program website, Cosmetology at Saint Paul College
    More details about Cosmetology at Saint Paul College
    Finished
    61%
    Working at 6 months
    67%
    Earned in a quarter
    $6,651
    Length
    60 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    355

    Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.

    a year, estimated
    $26,600
    price
    $9,160

  • Cosmetology (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Century College

    White Bear Lake

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Century College, White Bear Lake · Cosmetology (associate degree) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$20,400
    Price if you pay yourself$11,247
    Program website, Cosmetology at Century College
    More details about Cosmetology at Century College
    Finished
    14%
    Working at 6 months
    75%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,090
    Length
    120 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    274

    Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.

    a year, estimated
    $20,400
    price
    $11,247

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Riverland Community College

    Austin

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Riverland Community College, Austin · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$13,800
    Price if you pay yourself$10,172
    Program website, Cosmetology at Riverland Community College
    More details about Cosmetology at Riverland Community College
    Finished
    61%
    Working at 6 months
    54%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,439
    Length
    120 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    171
    a year, estimated
    $13,800
    price
    $10,172

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology (North Dakota)

    Minnesota State Community and Technical College

    Wadena

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Wadena · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$18,000
    Price if you pay yourself$1,490
    Program website, Cosmetology (North Dakota) at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology (North Dakota) at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
    Finished
    64%
    Working at 6 months
    73%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,496
    Length
    30 weeks, 9 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    142
    a year, estimated
    $18,000
    price
    $1,490

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Minnesota State Community and Technical College

    Wadena

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Wadena · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$18,000
    Price if you pay yourself$9,599
    Program website, Cosmetology at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
    Finished
    64%
    Working at 6 months
    73%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,496
    Length
    60 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    142
    a year, estimated
    $18,000
    price
    $9,599

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Minnesota West Community and Technical College

    Jackson

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Jackson · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$12,600
    Price if you pay yourself$10,247
    Program website, Cosmetology at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
    Finished
    66%
    Working at 6 months
    68%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,145
    Length
    60 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    134
    a year, estimated
    $12,600
    price
    $10,247

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Minnesota West Community and Technical College

    Pipestone

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Pipestone · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$12,600
    Price if you pay yourself$10,247
    Program website, Cosmetology at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
    Finished
    66%
    Working at 6 months
    68%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,145
    Length
    60 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    134
    a year, estimated
    $12,600
    price
    $10,247

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology-Other States

    Minnesota West Community and Technical College

    Pipestone

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Pipestone · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$12,600
    Price if you pay yourself$11,661
    Program website, Cosmetology-Other States at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology-Other States at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
    Finished
    66%
    Working at 6 months
    68%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,145
    Length
    120 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    134
    a year, estimated
    $12,600
    price
    $11,661

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology-Other States

    Minnesota West Community and Technical College

    Jackson

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Jackson · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$12,600
    Price if you pay yourself$11,661
    Program website, Cosmetology-Other States at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology-Other States at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
    Finished
    66%
    Working at 6 months
    68%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,145
    Length
    120 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    134
    a year, estimated
    $12,600
    price
    $11,661

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Ridgewater College

    Willmar

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Ridgewater College, Willmar · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$18,300
    Price if you pay yourself$9,303
    Program website, Cosmetology at Ridgewater College
    More details about Cosmetology at Ridgewater College
    Finished
    71%
    Working at 6 months
    79%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,581
    Length
    60 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    126

    Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.

    a year, estimated
    $18,300
    price
    $9,303

  • Cosmetology (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Minnesota State College Southeast

    Winona

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Minnesota State College Southeast, Winona · Cosmetology (associate degree) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$15,900
    Price if you pay yourself$11,544
    Program website, Cosmetology at Minnesota State College Southeast
    More details about Cosmetology at Minnesota State College Southeast
    Finished
    48%
    Working at 6 months
    55%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,978
    Length
    120 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    67

    Listed 2 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.

    a year, estimated
    $15,900
    price
    $11,544

  • Hair design, hairstyling or braidingIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Natural Hair Care and Braiding

    Natural Hair Care Institute

    Minneapolis

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Natural Hair Care Institute, Minneapolis · Hair design, hairstyling or braiding · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$7,200
    Program website, Natural Hair Care and Braiding at Natural Hair Care Institute
    More details about Natural Hair Care and Braiding at Natural Hair Care Institute
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    30 weeks, 10 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,436
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $7,200

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Empire Beauty School

    Spring Lake Park

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Empire Beauty School, Spring Lake Park · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$19,113
    Program website, Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School
    More details about Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    60 weeks, 25 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,957
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $19,113

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Empire Beauty School

    Bloomington

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Empire Beauty School, Bloomington · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$19,113
    Program website, Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School
    More details about Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    60 weeks, 25 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,957
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $19,113

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Nova Academy of Cosmetology

    Rochester

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Nova Academy of Cosmetology, Rochester · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$20,100
    Program website, Cosmetology at Nova Academy of Cosmetology
    More details about Cosmetology at Nova Academy of Cosmetology
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    30 weeks, 25 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,450
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $20,100

How to pay for cosmetology school in Minnesota

WIOA funding can pay for cosmetology school in Minnesota

Every program on this page is approved for WIOA funding: public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It can pay for training for eligible adults, people who lost their job and young people.2People on public assistance, with a low income or lacking basic skills come first, and veterans have priority.3Your state or local area may limit how much WIOA pays and for how long. If a program costs more, a Pell Grant, a scholarship or severance pay can cover the rest.4

Ask at an American Job Center

Eligibility rules apply, and services vary from state to state. Your local American Job Center can tell you whether you qualify. The Department of Labor's page links to the center finder, or call 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627).5

Financial aid and grants for cosmetology school

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for cosmetology school

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Does WIOA pay for job training? Who qualifies and how to apply

Quick facts: Cosmetology school in Minnesota

programs with a price cost under $10,000
5 of 15
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
7th of 20
other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
1 of 9
cosmetology programs here, against the typical state's 4
15 vs 4

State comparisons use the same figures as the cosmetology school by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Where the Minnesota cosmetology program numbers come from

Which Minnesota cosmetology programs are on this list?

These are the cosmetology programs Minnesota approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Minnesota offers.

How Minnesota cosmetology program prices are reported

The price is tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported it. "Trained with WIOA funding" on a program counts the people whose training there WIOA paid toward through a training account in program year 2024; the file never gives counts under 3, so a program without the line may still take WIOA students. It does not say how much of the price WIOA covered. Prices under $100 are treated as not reported, because the file holds many blanks entered as $0. Check the current price with the school.

What the graduate results of these programs measure

The figures at the top of this page are the middle program among those that report results: half did better, half did worse. Results describe students who left each program in recent years: the share who finished, the share working in the second quarter after leaving, and the middle earnings of those working in that quarter. States report earnings for that one quarter because they take them from the wage reports employers file every three months. The yearly figure here is that quarter times four, rounded to the nearest $100: an estimate, and an early one, since it is measured about half a year after training. The quarter as reported is under "More details" on each program. Results are withheld for small programs, and they describe past students, so they are no guarantee.

Why do some cosmetology programs say "Not reported"?

Where a school or the state left a field empty, or the Department of Labor withheld it, the page says "Not reported". Nothing here is estimated to fill a gap.

Why the kind of school is left off each program

The file also records whether a school is public, private or nonprofit, but those entries are wrong too often to print next to a school's name, so this page leaves them out.

Other training in Minnesota

Sources for the facts about cosmetology school in Minnesota

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List