Jonathan BensonThe beauty industry continues to grow rapidly in the United States, and the demand for skilled cosmetologists remains strong. If you’re considering a career in hairstyling, skincare, makeup artistry, or salon management, attending a quality cosmetology school is the first step. In Colorado, students have access to many reputable cosmetology schools that offer professional training programs designed to prepare graduates for state licensing and successful careers in the beauty industry.
Most cosmetology programs in Colorado require about 1,500 training hours, which can usually be completed within 10 to 12 months depending on whether students attend full-time or part-time. Tuition varies widely, typically ranging from $7,000 to $23,000, depending on the institution, location, facilities, and included training kits.
Below are the top 20 cosmetology schools in Colorado, including their estimated tuition and what makes each program stand out.
Top 20 Cosmetology Schools In Colorado And Fees
1. Paul Mitchell The School Denver
Paul Mitchell The School in Denver is one of the most recognized beauty schools in the country. The institution is part of the globally respected Paul Mitchell network and offers a high-quality cosmetology program that focuses on both technical and professional skills.
Students learn a wide range of services including haircutting, hair coloring, chemical treatments, styling, makeup application, and basic skincare. The program also includes business training, teaching students how to build clientele, promote themselves, and manage a salon career successfully.
One of the biggest advantages of studying here is the hands-on salon experience, where students work with real clients under professional supervision. This practical experience helps graduates feel confident when entering the workforce.
Estimated Tuition: $19,000 – $23,000
2. Aveda Institute Denver
Aveda Institute Denver is a highly respected beauty school known for its eco-friendly philosophy and holistic beauty approach. The school trains students using plant-based Aveda products and techniques that focus on sustainability and wellness.
Students receive training in hair cutting, advanced coloring, styling, skincare treatments, and makeup artistry. In addition, the program emphasizes customer service and spa-style salon experiences.
Graduates from Aveda programs often have strong employment prospects because many salons value the institute’s unique training approach.
Estimated Tuition: $21,000 – $23,500
3. Empire Beauty School Thornton
Empire Beauty School in Thornton offers a structured cosmetology program designed to prepare students for the Colorado licensing exam. The school has decades of experience in beauty education and maintains a strong reputation nationwide.
The curriculum covers haircutting techniques, chemical services, hair coloring, skincare basics, nail care, and makeup application. Students also learn salon professionalism and communication skills.
The campus features a student salon clinic, where trainees gain practical experience serving clients.
Estimated Tuition: Around $19,000
4. Empire Beauty School Aurora
Located in Aurora, this branch of Empire Beauty School provides similar high-quality training as its Thornton campus. The school emphasizes hands-on practice combined with classroom instruction.
Students gain skills in hair design, chemical services, styling, skincare treatments, and salon management. The program prepares students for both the licensing exam and real salon environments.
Estimated Tuition: Around $19,000
5. International Salon and Spa Academy – Colorado Springs
International Salon and Spa Academy is known for its small class sizes and personalized instruction. This allows instructors to provide more one-on-one guidance to students.
The cosmetology program includes advanced training in haircutting, hair coloring, styling, skincare services, and nail technology. Students also learn how to manage clients and build a professional beauty career.
Many graduates go on to work in high-end salons or open their own beauty businesses.
Estimated Tuition: $19,000 – $22,000
6. The Salon Professional Academy Colorado Springs
This academy focuses on preparing students for modern beauty careers by combining technical skills with professional development training.
Students learn haircutting, styling, chemical services, skincare treatments, makeup artistry, and customer service. The program also includes education on retail sales and social media marketing, which are increasingly important in the beauty industry.
Estimated Tuition: $17,000 – $20,000
7. Elevate Salon Institute Westminster
Elevate Salon Institute offers a career-focused cosmetology program that prepares students for high-end salon environments.
Students receive hands-on training in hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare services, and salon business practices. The school focuses on developing both creative and technical abilities.
Graduates often secure jobs quickly thanks to the institute’s strong connections with local salons.
Estimated Tuition: $18,000 – $21,000
8. Victoria James Cosmetology School – Colorado Springs
Victoria James Cosmetology School provides a comprehensive cosmetology program designed to prepare students for successful beauty careers.
Students gain practical experience in hair styling, hair coloring, skincare treatments, nail services, and makeup application. The school also focuses heavily on salon professionalism and client communication.
The institution has built a reputation for producing well-trained graduates who are ready to work immediately after licensure.
Estimated Tuition: Around $20,600
9. College of International Esthetics – Arvada
Although primarily known for skincare education, the College of International Esthetics offers programs that complement cosmetology training.
Students gain advanced knowledge in facials, waxing, skincare treatments, and makeup artistry. These skills are highly valuable for cosmetologists who want to expand their services into spa treatments.
Estimated Tuition: $12,000 – $18,000
10. IBMC College Longmont
IBMC College provides a career-oriented cosmetology program that blends technical training with business knowledge.
Students learn haircutting, coloring, styling, skincare, and salon management. The curriculum also includes professional development training that prepares students to work in modern salon environments.
Estimated Tuition: $18,000 – $21,000
11. Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy Colorado Springs
Toni & Guy is a globally recognized brand in professional hairstyling. Their academy in Colorado Springs focuses heavily on advanced hair design and fashion-forward styling techniques.
Students learn modern haircutting methods, color theory, and editorial styling techniques inspired by global fashion trends.
Estimated Tuition: $17,000 – $20,000
12. Northern Colorado Advanced Aesthetics Academy – Loveland
This academy specializes in skincare and esthetics training, but it is also an excellent option for cosmetology students who want to specialize in spa services.
Students learn facial treatments, waxing, advanced skincare procedures, and makeup application.
Estimated Tuition: $12,000 – $16,000
13. Denver Integrative Massage School
Denver Integrative Massage School focuses on wellness and spa therapy education. While primarily a massage school, it offers beauty-related programs that complement cosmetology careers.
Students gain knowledge in massage therapy, skincare services, and holistic wellness practices that can enhance their beauty careers.
Estimated Tuition: $15,000 – $20,000
14. Pickens Technical College – Aurora
Pickens Technical College is one of the most affordable cosmetology training options in Colorado. Despite the lower tuition, the program provides comprehensive training and practical experience.
Students learn haircutting, styling, coloring, skincare basics, and salon management. The program also prepares students for the state licensing exam.
Estimated Tuition: $6,000 – $10,000
15. Warren Tech – Lakewood
Warren Tech offers cosmetology programs designed for both adult students and high school learners.
The curriculum includes hair design, chemical services, salon management, and client communication. Students gain practical experience in a training salon environment.
Estimated Tuition: $8,000 – $12,000
16. Emily Griffith Technical College – Denver
Emily Griffith Technical College is known for its career-focused training programs and affordable tuition.
Students receive training in hair styling, hair coloring, skincare services, and nail care techniques. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and industry preparation.
Estimated Tuition: $7,000 – $12,000
17. Aveda Institute Colorado Springs
This campus offers the same high-quality beauty education associated with the Aveda brand.
Students learn plant-based beauty techniques, advanced hair services, skincare treatments, and wellness-focused salon practices.
Estimated Tuition: $20,000 – $22,000
18. Red Rocks Community College – Lakewood
Red Rocks Community College offers cosmetology training programs with strong academic and practical components.
Students gain hands-on experience in haircutting, hair coloring, styling, and salon business practices.
Estimated Tuition: $7,000 – $12,000
19. Intellitec College Colorado Springs
Intellitec College provides flexible cosmetology programs designed for students who need adaptable schedules.
The curriculum includes haircutting, chemical services, styling, skincare treatments, and professional development.
Estimated Tuition: $16,000 – $20,000
20. Academy of Cosmetology Arts Denver
The Academy of Cosmetology Arts provides professional beauty training designed to prepare students for the Colorado licensing exam.
Students receive hands-on training in hair design, skincare, makeup, and salon services.
Graduates leave with the practical skills required to begin careers in salons, spas, or even start their own beauty businesses.
Estimated Tuition: $12,000 – $18,000
Comparison Table of Top Cosmetology Schools in Colorado
| School | Location | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell The School | Denver | $19k – $23k |
| Aveda Institute | Denver | $21k – $23.5k |
| Empire Beauty School | Thornton | ~$19k |
| Empire Beauty School | Aurora | ~$19k |
| International Salon & Spa Academy | Colorado Springs | $19k – $22k |
| Salon Professional Academy | Colorado Springs | $17k – $20k |
| Elevate Salon Institute | Westminster | $18k – $21k |
| Victoria James Cosmetology School | Colorado Springs | ~$20.6k |
| College of International Esthetics | Arvada | $12k – $18k |
| IBMC College | Longmont | $18k – $21k |
| Toni & Guy Academy | Colorado Springs | $17k – $20k |
| Northern Colorado Aesthetics Academy | Loveland | $12k – $16k |
| Denver Integrative Massage School | Denver | $15k – $20k |
| Pickens Technical College | Aurora | $6k – $10k |
| Warren Tech | Lakewood | $8k – $12k |
| Emily Griffith Technical College | Denver | $7k – $12k |
| Aveda Institute | Colorado Springs | $20k – $22k |
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood | $7k – $12k |
| Intellitec College | Colorado Springs | $16k – $20k |
| Academy of Cosmetology Arts | Denver | $12k – $18k |
Conclusion
Choosing the right cosmetology school in Colorado can have a major impact on your future career in the beauty industry. From prestigious institutions like Paul Mitchell and Aveda to affordable options such as Emily Griffith Technical College and Pickens Technical College, the state offers a wide variety of training opportunities.
When selecting a cosmetology school, consider factors such as tuition cost, accreditation, training facilities, internship opportunities, and job placement support. A well-structured program will not only prepare you to pass the Colorado licensing exam but also give you the practical skills needed to succeed in salons, spas, or even your own beauty business.
With the right training and dedication, attending one of these top cosmetology schools can be the first step toward a rewarding and creative career in the beauty industry.