How Much Does Cosmetology School Cost in Los Angeles?
At Los Angeles College of Aesthetics, our 1,000-hour cosmetology program costs $17,562 for the 2025–2026 school year. This total includes tuition, a registration fee, books and a student kit.
Your actual out-of-pocket cost may be different depending on the financial aid you qualify for, your payment arrangements and personal expenses such as transportation, meals or childcare. We know that paying for school is an important decision. Understanding the costs ahead of time can help you prepare, explore your options and choose a plan that works for you.
How Much Is Cosmetology School at LACA?
The costs for our cosmetology program are:
| Tuition | $15,000 |
| Nonrefundable registration fee | $125 |
| Books and student kit | $2,437 |
| Total institutional charges | $17,562 |
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Before you enroll, our admissions team can provide a current breakdown of the costs associated with your program.
What Is Included in the Cost?
When you compare cosmetology schools in Los Angeles, it is important to look at more than the tuition amount. One school may include books and tools in its published total, while another may charge for them separately.
At LACA, the program cost includes three main expenses.
Tuition
Tuition covers the classroom instruction and hands-on training you receive throughout the program.
Our cosmetology program includes 1,000 hours of practical and technical instruction. During your training, you can develop skills in areas such as:
- Health and safety
- Sanitation
- Hairstyling
- Chemical hair services
- Skincare
- Nail care
The goal is to give you opportunities to learn both the knowledge and practical skills involved in cosmetology.
Registration Fee
The program includes a $125 nonrefundable registration fee. This is an administrative charge that is separate from tuition but included in the published total.
Books and Student Kit
The $2,437 books and student kit charge covers educational materials, tools and equipment you may use during your training.
You will be responsible for caring for your kit throughout the program. If an item is lost, damaged or broken, you may need to purchase a replacement.
Our admissions team can explain what is included in the kit so you have a clearer idea of what you will receive and whether you should prepare for any additional purchases.
Are There Other Expenses to Plan For?
The published program cost covers charges paid directly to LACA, but you may have other expenses while attending school.
Depending on your schedule and personal situation, you may also need to plan for:
- Transportation, fuel or public transit
- Parking
- Meals during school hours
- Childcare
- Uniforms or dress-code items
- Replacement tools and supplies
- Licensing application and examination expenses
- Regular living expenses
Not every student’s budget will look the same. You may live close to campus, rely on public transportation, work while attending school or have family responsibilities to consider.
Creating a basic monthly budget before you begin can make these expenses feel more manageable. Start with your regular bills, then add estimated school-related costs such as transportation, meals and childcare.
You do not need to have every detail figured out on your own. Our team can help you understand the school charges so you can build a more realistic plan.
Can Financial Aid Help Pay for Cosmetology School?
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
LACA participates in federal financial aid programs that may help eligible students pay for their education. Depending on your eligibility, possible options may include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
- Federal Direct Loans
- Nonfederal assistance
- Payment-plan options
It is helpful to understand how these options differ.
Grants generally do not need to be repaid, although eligibility and program requirements apply.
Scholarships are awards that generally do not require repayment.
Student loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid, usually with interest.
Payment plans may allow an eligible remaining balance to be divided into multiple payments.
Our financial aid team can help you review the options that may be available and explain which forms of assistance must be repaid.
Start With the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA®, is used to apply for federal grants, work-study funds and student loans.
Completing the FAFSA does not guarantee that you will receive financial aid or that your award will cover the full cost of the program. Your eligibility and award amount will depend on your individual circumstances and applicable requirements.
Once you receive a financial aid offer, take time to review:
- How much assistance comes from grants or scholarships
- How much comes from student loans
- Whether you will have a remaining balance
- What repayment requirements may apply
This can help you understand what you may need to pay now and what you may need to repay later.
What Is the Difference Between Published Cost and Net Price?
The published cost, sometimes called the sticker price, is the amount listed before grants and scholarships are taken into account.
The net price is an estimate of what you may need to pay after applicable grants and scholarships. It is not necessarily the same as your final out-of-pocket cost, especially if you use student loans or a payment plan.
LACA offers a Net Price Calculator that can provide an estimate based on the information you enter. The result is not a final financial aid award, but it can give you a helpful starting point.
To develop a clearer picture of your potential cost:
- Review our current school catalog.
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Use our Net Price Calculator.
- Speak with our financial aid team.
- Review your personalized cost and financial aid information.
The final amount can be different for every student, which is why personalized guidance is so important.
What Should You Consider When Comparing Cosmetology Schools?
Cost is important, but the lowest advertised tuition is not always the lowest overall price. A program may charge separately for books, kits, uniforms or other required materials.
As you compare schools, ask questions such as:
- What is the complete published cost?
- Are books, tools and supplies included?
- Would I need to purchase additional items?
- What schedules are currently available?
- Is financial aid available to those who qualify?
- What support is available to students?
- What are the attendance requirements?
- How is satisfactory academic progress measured?
- What are the cancellation and refund policies?
- Is the school approved by the appropriate state agency?
We also recommend touring the schools you are considering. A campus tour gives you a chance to see the classrooms and training areas, learn more about the student experience and ask questions in person.
Choosing a school is about more than numbers. You should also feel comfortable with the environment, expectations and people who will be supporting you during your education.
Is Cosmetology School Worth the Cost?
Cosmetology school can be a meaningful investment for someone who enjoys beauty, creativity and working with people.
At LACA, our program provides a structured environment where students can develop technical knowledge and gain hands-on experience while working toward California’s educational requirements for cosmetologist licensure.
Whether the program is right for you depends on your personal goals, financial situation and commitment to your education. In addition to the cost, you should be prepared to invest time, effort, attendance and continued practice.
Before you enroll, take time to ask questions and make sure you understand what the program will require. Feeling prepared can help you begin your education with greater clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does LACA’s cosmetology program cost?
For the 2025–2026 school year, our 1,000-hour cosmetology program has $17,562 in total institutional charges. This includes $15,000 in tuition, a $125 nonrefundable registration fee and $2,437 for books and a student kit. Costs are subject to change.
Can FAFSA help pay for cosmetology school?
Completing the FAFSA allows eligible students to be considered for federal student aid. The type and amount of assistance offered depend on individual eligibility and other requirements. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
How many hours are required for cosmetology school in California?
California cosmetology programs must provide at least 1,000 hours of practical and technical instruction. Schools may offer programs that exceed the state-required minimum.
Does LACA offer payment plans?
Payment-plan options are available. Contact our team to learn about current terms, requirements and availability.
Learn More About Cosmetology School Costs at LACA
Paying for cosmetology school can feel like a big decision, but you do not have to sort through the details alone.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to help you understand current program costs, explore available schedules and review potential financial aid options. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Request information or schedule a campus tour to learn more about our cosmetology program and get answers to your questions.
Tuition, fees, schedules, program information and financial aid availability are subject to change. Contact Los Angeles College of Aesthetics for current information. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.