Jonathan BensonThe beauty industry continues to grow rapidly across the United States, creating strong demand for skilled cosmetologists. If you’re planning to start a career in hairstyling, skincare, nail technology, or makeup artistry, attending a reputable cosmetology school is the first step toward success.
Duluth, Minnesota, offers aspiring beauty professionals access to several quality cosmetology schools both within the city and in nearby parts of the state. These institutions provide hands-on training, modern salon facilities, and industry-focused instruction designed to prepare students for the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology licensing exam.
Cosmetology programs typically last 9 to 18 months and cover essential topics such as hair cutting, chemical treatments, skincare services, manicures, pedicures, makeup artistry, sanitation practices, and salon management.
In this guide, we explore the Top 10 Cosmetology Schools in Duluth MN and their estimated fees, helping you choose the right program to start your beauty career.
Top 10 Cosmetology Schools in Duluth MN and Fees
1. Lake Superior College – Duluth, MN
Lake Superior College is one of the most respected public colleges in Duluth offering career-focused technical programs. Its cosmetology program provides comprehensive training designed to prepare students for careers in salons, spas, and beauty studios.
The curriculum includes haircutting, hair coloring, chemical texturizing, scalp treatments, skincare, manicures, and salon safety procedures. Students also learn customer service skills and salon management techniques that are essential for building a successful beauty career.
A key highlight of the program is the student training salon, where students practice their skills on real clients under the supervision of experienced instructors. This hands-on experience helps build confidence and professional competence before graduation.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: $10,000 – $12,000
- Books and supplies: $1,000 – $2,000
- Program duration: 12–18 months
Because it is a public institution, Lake Superior College offers one of the most affordable cosmetology programs in the Duluth area.
2. Northwest Technical College – Cosmetology Program
Northwest Technical College offers a highly practical cosmetology diploma program that emphasizes hands-on learning and career readiness. The program is designed to provide students with the technical skills and professional knowledge needed to succeed in the beauty industry.
Students receive training in hairstyling, haircutting, hair coloring, skincare treatments, nail care services, and makeup application. In addition to technical skills, the program also focuses on business practices such as client consultation, marketing, and salon management.
One of the benefits of studying here is the small class sizes, which allow instructors to provide personalized attention and mentoring to students.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: Around $11,000
- Kits and supplies: $1,000 – $1,500
- Program length: About 12 months
Graduates of this program are well prepared to take the Minnesota cosmetology licensing exam.
3. Avalon School of Cosmetology – Minnesota
Avalon School of Cosmetology is a well-established beauty school known for its modern curriculum and professional training environment. The institution uses the widely recognized Milady cosmetology curriculum, which is considered an industry standard in beauty education.
Students receive training in hair cutting, hair styling, hair coloring, chemical services, nail care, and skincare treatments. The program also includes instruction on sanitation, safety procedures, and professional ethics.
Avalon also places strong emphasis on creativity and artistic development, allowing students to experiment with modern styling trends and techniques.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: $13,466
- Books and kit: $1,470
- Total program cost: Approximately $14,986
Graduates often go on to work in salons, spas, fashion shows, and even film or television makeup departments.
4. Ridgewater College – Cosmetology Program
Ridgewater College offers both a cosmetology diploma and associate degree option. The program focuses on developing well-rounded beauty professionals who are skilled in both technical services and customer relations.
Students learn a wide range of beauty services including haircutting, hair coloring, permanent waving, facials, manicures, pedicures, and makeup application. They also gain practical experience through salon-style training environments where they work with real clients.
Another advantage of the Ridgewater cosmetology program is its strong focus on career development, helping students build professional portfolios and prepare for employment.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition and fees: About $11,797
- Kit and supplies: $4,576
- Books: $883
Graduates leave the program ready to take the Minnesota licensing exam and begin working in professional salons.
5. Minnesota State Community & Technical College – Cosmetology Diploma
Minnesota State Community & Technical College offers an excellent cosmetology diploma program that combines classroom education with practical salon experience.
The program teaches essential beauty skills such as haircutting, hairstyling, chemical treatments, facials, manicures, and pedicures. Students also learn about hygiene, infection control, and professional customer service.
A major strength of this program is the extensive salon practicum, where students gain valuable experience serving real clients while being supervised by licensed instructors.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: Approximately $10,904
- Supplies and fees: Around $2,981
- Program duration: About 12 months
This school is a popular option for students looking for affordable and high-quality cosmetology training.
6. Nova Academy of Cosmetology – Minnesota
Nova Academy of Cosmetology is a private beauty school offering specialized training in cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology.
The cosmetology program includes advanced training in hair design, color techniques, chemical services, makeup artistry, and skincare treatments. Students also learn the business side of the beauty industry, including marketing and client retention strategies.
Nova Academy provides intensive hands-on training, ensuring students graduate with strong technical abilities.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: $23,500
- Kit fee: $3,700
- Total program cost: Approximately $27,250
Although the tuition is higher than many public colleges, the program offers extensive professional training and modern salon facilities.
7. Model College of Hair Design – Minnesota
Model College of Hair Design is a respected beauty institution with a strong reputation for hands-on cosmetology education.
Students learn hairstyling, hair coloring, makeup artistry, nail technology, and skincare techniques. The program also focuses on developing creativity and precision in beauty services.
One of the biggest advantages of this school is the real client training salon, where students practice professional services under instructor supervision.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: $16,000 – $18,000
- Kits and supplies: $1,500 – $2,000
- Program length: 12–15 months
Graduates often secure employment in salons and spas shortly after completing the program.
8. Empire Beauty School – Minnesota
Empire Beauty School is a nationally recognized cosmetology institution with multiple campuses across the United States.
The cosmetology program focuses on developing strong technical skills in hairstyling, chemical treatments, skincare, nail services, and makeup artistry. Students also receive training in salon business management, helping them build successful careers in the beauty industry.
The school offers flexible class schedules, making it ideal for students who may need part-time study options.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: $16,000 – $20,000
- Supplies and kits: $1,000 – $2,000
Empire Beauty School graduates often go on to work in high-end salons, beauty spas, and fashion industries.
9. Hastings Beauty School – Minnesota
Hastings Beauty School is known for its practical cosmetology training programs and experienced instructors.
Students receive training in haircutting, coloring, styling, skincare treatments, manicures, pedicures, and makeup application. The program also focuses on professional etiquette, customer service, and salon operations.
Students gain hands-on experience through the school’s student salon, where they provide beauty services to real clients.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: $14,000 – $16,000
- Kits and supplies: $1,000 – $1,500
The program prepares students to successfully pass the Minnesota cosmetology licensing examination.
10. Schilling-Douglas School of Hair Design – Minnesota
Schilling-Douglas School of Hair Design has been training beauty professionals for decades and is considered one of the established cosmetology schools in Minnesota.
The cosmetology program focuses heavily on hands-on practice, allowing students to develop strong technical skills in hairstyling, coloring, skincare, and nail services.
Students also learn salon management, product knowledge, and client consultation techniques that help them succeed in professional environments.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition and fees: Around $19,765
- Program duration: 12–15 months
Graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce as licensed cosmetologists.
Why Study Cosmetology in Duluth, Minnesota?
Duluth is a vibrant city with a growing beauty and wellness industry. Students who choose to study cosmetology in the region benefit from:
- Access to modern cosmetology training facilities
- Opportunities to gain real-world salon experience
- Affordable tuition compared to large metropolitan areas
- High demand for licensed beauty professionals
Many schools in Minnesota also offer financial aid, scholarships, and flexible class schedules to make training more accessible.
Comparison Table of Cosmetology Schools in Duluth MN
| School | Location | Estimated Tuition | Program Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Superior College | Duluth, MN | $10,000 – $12,000 | 12–18 months |
| Northwest Technical College | MN | ~$11,000 | 12 months |
| Avalon School of Cosmetology | MN | ~$14,986 | 12 months |
| Ridgewater College | MN | ~$11,797 + supplies | 1–2 years |
| Minnesota State Community & Technical College | MN | ~$10,904 | 12 months |
| Nova Academy of Cosmetology | MN | ~$27,250 | 11–12 months |
| Model College of Hair Design | MN | $16,000 – $18,000 | 12–15 months |
| Empire Beauty School | MN | $16,000 – $20,000 | 12 months |
| Hastings Beauty School | MN | $14,000 – $16,000 | 12 months |
| Schilling-Douglas School of Hair Design | MN | ~$19,765 | 12–15 months |
Conclusion
Choosing the right cosmetology school is an important step toward building a successful career in the beauty industry. Duluth and the surrounding Minnesota region offer several excellent cosmetology schools that provide professional training, hands-on salon experience, and preparation for state licensure.
Affordable public institutions such as Lake Superior College and Minnesota State Community & Technical College are great options for students looking to minimize tuition costs, while private schools like Nova Academy of Cosmetology and Empire Beauty School provide specialized training and modern facilities.
Before enrolling, compare tuition fees, training opportunities, facilities, and job placement support to find the program that best matches your career goals.
With the right education and dedication, you can begin a rewarding career as a licensed cosmetologist, helping clients look and feel their best while building a thriving future in the beauty industry.