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Cosmetology school in Wisconsin

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

13 schools offer these cosmetology programs, and Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, 4 of the 13 programs take students without a high school diploma, and 3 are taught partly or fully online.

See the 13 programs

How much does cosmetology school cost in Wisconsin?

$5,994 to $9,192 is what most cosmetology programs in Wisconsin cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 13 programs with a price. All of them: $4,576 to $28,037

In the typical program

Finished the program
71%
Working 6 months later
74%
Earned a year, estimated
about $21,800
Length
32 to 46 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 Wisconsin may also offer cosmetology school. How these figures are made

Is there free cosmetology school in Wisconsin?

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

Cosmetology school in Madison, Milwaukee, Kenosha and other Wisconsin cities

Choosing an area filters the list below. 3 more programs are in 3 other areas, 1 in smaller cities and towns.

All 13 cosmetology programs in Wisconsin approved for WIOA funding

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Kind of program
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13 programs

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Milwaukee Area Technical College

    Milwaukee

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$19,900
    Price if you pay yourself$4,576
    Program website, Cosmetology at Milwaukee Area Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Milwaukee Area Technical College
    Finished
    21%
    Working at 6 months
    67%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,978
    Length
    32 weeks, 19 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,505
    Students counted
    533
    a year, estimated
    $19,900
    price
    $4,576

  • Cosmetology license programIn personNo diploma needed

    Cosmetology

    Gateway Technical College

    Kenosha

    No diploma needed

    Gateway Technical College, Kenosha · Cosmetology license program · In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$20,900
    Price if you pay yourself$6,784
    Program website, Cosmetology at Gateway Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Gateway Technical College
    Finished
    38%
    Working at 6 months
    71%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,233
    Length
    45 weeks, 32 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    411
    a year, estimated
    $20,900
    price
    $6,784

  • Cosmetology license programHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Madison Area Technical College

    Madison

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Madison Area Technical College, Madison · Cosmetology license program · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$23,800
    Price if you pay yourself$9,192
    School website, Cosmetology at Madison Area Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Madison Area Technical College
    Finished
    38%
    Working at 6 months
    71%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,948
    Length
    32 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    350
    a year, estimated
    $23,800
    price
    $9,192

  • Cosmetology license programHybridNo diploma needed

    Cosmetology

    Waukesha County Technical College

    Pewaukee

    No diploma needed

    Waukesha County Technical College, Pewaukee · Cosmetology license program · Hybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$27,600
    Price if you pay yourself$5,726
    Program website, Cosmetology at Waukesha County Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Waukesha County Technical College
    Finished
    83%
    Working at 6 months
    84%
    Earned in a quarter
    $6,903
    Length
    32 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    244
    a year, estimated
    $27,600
    price
    $5,726

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Chippewa Valley Technical College

    Eau Claire

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$23,200
    Price if you pay yourself$8,360

    5 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Cosmetology at Chippewa Valley Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Chippewa Valley Technical College
    Finished
    59%
    Working at 6 months
    78%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,808
    Length
    40 weeks, 36 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,669
    Students counted
    231
    a year, estimated
    $23,200
    price
    $8,360
    trained with WIOA funding
    5

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    JDA Associates Inc DBA Academy of Beauty Professionals

    Verona

    High school diploma or equivalent

    JDA Associates Inc DBA Academy of Beauty Professionals, Verona · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$21,800
    Price if you pay yourself$28,037
    Program website, Cosmetology at JDA Associates Inc DBA Academy of Beauty Professionals
    More details about Cosmetology at JDA Associates Inc DBA Academy of Beauty Professionals
    Finished
    48%
    Working at 6 months
    73%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,455
    Length
    44 weeks, 35 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $951
    Students counted
    199
    a year, estimated
    $21,800
    price
    $28,037

  • Cosmetology license programIn personEducation and courses

    Cosmetology

    Moraine Park Technical College

    Fond du Lac

    Education and courses

    Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac · Cosmetology license program · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$23,000
    Price if you pay yourself$5,994

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Cosmetology at Moraine Park Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Moraine Park Technical College
    Finished
    74%
    Working at 6 months
    73%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,748
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $2,700
    Students counted
    194
    a year, estimated
    $23,000
    price
    $5,994
    trained with WIOA funding
    3

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    The Salon Professional Academy

    Onalaska

    High school diploma or equivalent

    The Salon Professional Academy, Onalaska · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$24,900
    School website, Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy
    More details about Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy
    Finished
    78%
    Working at 6 months
    86%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    54 weeks, 34 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,034
    Students counted
    155
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $24,900

  • Cosmetology license programIn personNo diploma needed

    Cosmetology

    Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

    Fennimore

    No diploma needed

    Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Fennimore · Cosmetology license program · In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$18,600
    Price if you pay yourself$7,030
    Program website, Cosmetology at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
    Finished
    71%
    Working at 6 months
    66%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,645
    Length
    40 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    97
    a year, estimated
    $18,600
    price
    $7,030

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Nicolet College

    Rhinelander

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Nicolet College, Rhinelander · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$21,800
    Price if you pay yourself$6,085
    Program website, Cosmetology at Nicolet College
    More details about Cosmetology at Nicolet College
    Finished
    71%
    Working at 6 months
    86%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,454
    Length
    45 weeks, 36 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,060
    Students counted
    77
    a year, estimated
    $21,800
    price
    $6,085

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Northcentral Technical College

    Wausau

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Northcentral Technical College, Wausau · Cosmetology license program · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$21,300
    Price if you pay yourself$6,371
    More details about Cosmetology at Northcentral Technical College
    Finished
    77%
    Working at 6 months
    79%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,330
    Length
    48 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    58
    a year, estimated
    $21,300
    price
    $6,371

  • Cosmetology license programHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty and Culture, LLC

    Madison

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty and Culture, LLC, Madison · Cosmetology license program · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$20,900
    Price if you pay yourself$10,275

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Cosmetology at Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty and Culture, LLC
    More details about Cosmetology at Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty and Culture, LLC
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    75%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,237
    Length
    52 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,154
    Students counted
    12
    a year, estimated
    $20,900
    price
    $10,275
    trained with WIOA funding
    3

  • Cosmetology license programIn personNo diploma needed

    Cosmetology

    Northwood Technical College

    Rice Lake

    No diploma needed

    Northwood Technical College, Rice Lake · Cosmetology license program · In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$5,026
    Program website, Cosmetology at Northwood Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Northwood Technical College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 44 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,700
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $5,026

How to pay for cosmetology school in Wisconsin

WIOA funding can pay for cosmetology school in Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin

lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
5th of 20
other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
6 of 9
cosmetology programs here, against the typical state's 4
13 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 Wisconsin cosmetology program numbers come from

Which Wisconsin cosmetology programs are on this list?

These are the cosmetology programs Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin offers.

How Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

Sources for the facts about cosmetology school in Wisconsin

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