Jonathan BensonThe beauty industry continues to expand across the United States, offering rewarding career opportunities for people passionate about hairstyling, skincare, makeup, and nail technology. If you live in Bozeman, Montana, enrolling in a reputable cosmetology school is the first step toward building a successful career in the beauty industry.
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Montana, students must complete approximately 1,500 hours of training from an accredited cosmetology program before taking the state licensing exam. These programs teach essential skills such as hair cutting, chemical treatments, skincare techniques, sanitation practices, and salon business management.
Although Bozeman itself has limited cosmetology schools, many excellent institutions in nearby Montana cities serve students from the Bozeman area. Tuition for cosmetology programs in Montana typically ranges between $10,000 and $21,000, depending on the school, supplies, and training resources provided.
Below are the top cosmetology schools accessible to students in Bozeman, MT, including tuition estimates and program highlights.
Top 15 Cosmetology Schools In Bozeman MT And Fees
1. Academy of Cosmetology – Bozeman, MT
The Academy of Cosmetology is the primary beauty school located directly in Bozeman. It has built a strong reputation for providing hands-on training and preparing students for successful careers in the beauty industry.
The school offers a full cosmetology program that covers haircutting, coloring techniques, hair styling, nail care, skincare basics, sanitation standards, and salon management skills. Students practice their skills in a supervised student salon where they work with real clients.
Another advantage of the academy is its smaller class sizes, which allow instructors to provide more personalized training. The program prepares students for the Montana state licensing examination and helps them develop professional skills needed in salons or spas.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $16,800
- Books and supplies: about $2,000
- Program length: about 11 months
2. Montana Academy of Salons – Great Falls & Billings, MT
Montana Academy of Salons is one of the most respected cosmetology schools in the state. Many students from Bozeman choose this institution because of its modern facilities and comprehensive training programs.
The cosmetology program includes advanced instruction in haircutting, hair coloring, texture services, chemical treatments, and salon business strategies. Students also receive customer service training, which is essential for building a loyal clientele in the beauty industry.
The academy operates a real salon environment where students gain practical experience while working with actual clients. This helps them build confidence and develop industry-ready skills before graduating.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $18,000
- Registration fee: about $200
- Professional kit and books: about $2,700
3. Aveda Institute Montana – Billings, MT
Aveda Institute Montana is widely recognized for offering high-end cosmetology training that combines beauty education with environmentally friendly practices.
The institute is part of the global Aveda network, known for its emphasis on natural beauty products and sustainable salon practices. Students learn a variety of techniques including haircutting, color formulation, skincare treatments, makeup artistry, and retail sales.
Aveda schools also emphasize wellness and professionalism, which helps graduates secure positions in upscale salons and spas.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $16,000
- Student kit: about $2,500
- Registration fee: about $100
4. Crevier’s Academy of Cosmetology Arts – Kalispell, MT
Crevier’s Academy of Cosmetology Arts is another excellent option for students willing to travel outside Bozeman for training. The academy provides extensive cosmetology education through a combination of classroom instruction and practical salon experience.
Students learn haircutting techniques, hair coloring, chemical services, manicures, pedicures, and skincare treatments. The academy also teaches salon marketing and management skills to prepare students for entrepreneurial careers.
Many graduates go on to work in salons across Montana or open their own beauty businesses.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $14,800
- Program hours: 1,500 hours
5. Butte Academy of Beauty Culture – Butte, MT
Butte Academy of Beauty Culture is one of the oldest beauty training institutions in Montana. The school focuses on delivering practical skills and preparing students for the state licensing examination.
Students receive instruction in hairstyling, hair coloring, chemical treatments, nail technology, skincare basics, and sanitation standards. The academy also emphasizes professional conduct and client communication skills.
Its long-standing reputation and strong graduate success rates make it a popular choice among aspiring cosmetologists in the region.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $12,900
- Program duration: approximately 12 months
6. Bitterroot School of Cosmetology – Hamilton, MT
Bitterroot School of Cosmetology offers personalized training in a smaller learning environment. This school focuses on hands-on learning and mentorship, allowing students to build practical experience quickly.
The curriculum includes haircutting, coloring techniques, chemical treatments, nail care, and skincare services. Students practice in a student salon where they interact with real clients.
Because of the school’s smaller size, students often receive closer supervision and guidance from instructors.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $10,500
- Tools and supplies: about $600
7. Flathead Valley Community College Cosmetology Program
Flathead Valley Community College offers a cosmetology training program designed to combine technical beauty education with broader career development.
Students learn hair design, skincare techniques, salon operations, and customer service skills. The program also includes training in business fundamentals, helping graduates who want to open their own salons in the future.
Community college programs often offer more affordable tuition compared to private cosmetology schools.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $12,000 – $15,000
8. Gallatin College at Montana State University
Gallatin College, part of Montana State University in Bozeman, offers career-focused programs that support industries such as personal care and wellness.
Although it may not offer a traditional cosmetology license program every year, it provides courses related to entrepreneurship, small business management, and personal care services. These programs can complement cosmetology training obtained from other beauty schools.
Students interested in starting beauty businesses often benefit from the college’s business-focused training.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $8,000 – $12,000 per year
9. Missoula College Beauty and Personal Care Programs
Missoula College offers programs related to health, wellness, and personal care services. These programs teach professional skills such as sanitation standards, customer service, and business management.
Students who complete these courses often pursue further cosmetology training at specialized beauty academies to obtain their state license.
The college environment also provides access to broader academic resources and career services.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $10,000 – $14,000
10. Great Falls College Career Training Programs
Great Falls College provides technical and career education programs that support various industries, including the beauty and personal care sector.
Students can learn foundational skills related to hygiene standards, business operations, and customer service—skills that are essential for salon professionals.
These programs are particularly useful for students who plan to combine cosmetology training with broader career education.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $9,000 – $13,000
11. Summit Salon Academy (Regional Option)
Summit Salon Academy is known for its advanced training approach that combines cosmetology education with real-world salon business strategies.
Students learn haircutting techniques, hair coloring systems, retail sales strategies, and client retention methods. The academy’s curriculum is designed to help graduates quickly build successful careers in professional salons.
Many Montana students attend Summit academies in nearby states to gain specialized training.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $18,000 – $22,000
12. Paul Mitchell Partner Schools (Regional Option)
Paul Mitchell schools are among the most recognized cosmetology training institutions in the United States. These schools emphasize creativity, fashion-forward styling, and advanced beauty techniques.
Students receive training in haircutting, coloring, makeup artistry, and skincare. The program also teaches marketing and client relationship management.
Graduates often find opportunities in well-known salons and beauty brands.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $17,000 – $23,000
13. Empire Beauty School (Regional Option)
Empire Beauty School has campuses across the United States and offers comprehensive cosmetology programs.
Students learn a wide range of skills including hairstyling, chemical treatments, makeup application, nail technology, and skincare services. The school also provides training in salon operations and retail product sales.
The curriculum emphasizes both creativity and professional business practices.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $15,000 – $20,000
14. Evergreen Beauty College (Hybrid Learning Option)
Evergreen Beauty College offers hybrid cosmetology programs that combine online theory courses with in-person salon training.
Students learn haircutting, color correction, skincare treatments, nail services, and salon management. The flexible structure makes it suitable for students who need adaptable learning schedules.
Estimated Fees
- Tuition: about $18,000 – $21,000
15. Cosmetology Apprenticeship Programs in Montana
For students who prefer hands-on learning, Montana allows cosmetology training through apprenticeship programs under licensed professionals.
In this pathway, students work directly in salons while completing their required training hours. Apprentices gain real-world experience and may earn income during their training period.
This option can be more affordable than traditional cosmetology schools while still preparing students for the state licensing exam.
Estimated Fees
- Training costs: about $5,000 – $10,000
Comparison Table of Cosmetology Schools Near Bozeman
| School | Location | Estimated Tuition | Program Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy of Cosmetology | Bozeman | $16,800 | 11 months |
| Montana Academy of Salons | Great Falls/Billings | $20,900 | 11 months |
| Aveda Institute Montana | Billings | $18,600 | 12 months |
| Crevier’s Academy | Kalispell | $14,800 | 12 months |
| Butte Academy of Beauty Culture | Butte | $12,900 | 12 months |
| Bitterroot School of Cosmetology | Hamilton | $11,100 | 13 months |
| Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell | $12,000–$15,000 | 1–2 years |
| Gallatin College MSU | Bozeman | $8,000–$12,000 | varies |
| Missoula College | Missoula | $10,000–$14,000 | varies |
| Great Falls College | Great Falls | $9,000–$13,000 | varies |
| Summit Salon Academy | Regional | $18,000–$22,000 | 12 months |
| Paul Mitchell Schools | Regional | $17,000–$23,000 | 12 months |
| Empire Beauty School | Regional | $15,000–$20,000 | 12 months |
| Evergreen Beauty College | Regional | $18,000–$21,000 | 12 months |
| Apprenticeship Programs | Montana | $5,000–$10,000 | 1–2 years |
Conclusion
Choosing the right cosmetology school near Bozeman, Montana can play a major role in shaping your future career in the beauty industry. While the Academy of Cosmetology in Bozeman is the main local option, students also have access to several reputable schools across Montana, including Montana Academy of Salons, Aveda Institute Montana, and Crevier’s Academy of Cosmetology Arts.
Before selecting a school, it is important to compare tuition costs, program length, training facilities, and licensing success rates. You should also consider whether the school provides hands-on salon experience, internship opportunities, and job placement assistance.
With the right training and dedication, graduates can pursue careers as hairstylists, makeup artists, estheticians, salon managers, or even beauty entrepreneurs. The cosmetology industry continues to grow, making it an excellent career choice for creative individuals who enjoy helping others look and feel their best.