Beauty School Network

If you've never heard the word "accreditation," it may sound confusing at first. But, it isn't nearly as complicated as it sounds. It is important that you understand what an accredited beauty school is, how an accredited school differs from schools that lack proper accreditation and why you should consider attending an accredited school. This is a quick tutorial that will bring you up to speed. After reading it, you'll be better able to make the tough choices that could have a major impact on your career in cosmetology.

Who Decides If A Beauty School Is Accredited?

Despite a common misconception, the U.S. Department of Education does not accredit schools. Instead, they work with and officially recognize third parties as authorities in various fields. For cosmetology programs, the National Accrediting Commission Of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) determines if a beauty school meets minimal standards of education.

Why Is Accreditation Important?

In the past, before schools and other educational institutions were accredited by third party organizations, you couldn't have any true confidence in the standards of a particular school's curriculum. There was no unbiased source of feedback. The process of accreditation grew to fill this need. Today, beauty schools and programs of all types seek accreditation.

Accreditation is important because of what it implies. A school that has been accredited has proven to meet certain standards of educational performance. That sends an important message to prospective students (and instructors). It tells them that unbiased third parties have determined that the school offers a program in which others can have confidence. The curriculum, facilities and faculty are able to offer a high-quality education that should prove valuable to students.

There are several reasons why you should consider enrolling in a cosmetology school that is accredited. While beauty schools that lack accreditation don't necessarily offer an education and curriculum that is inferior to accredited schools, it's critical that you understand the downsides of attending a non-accredited school. Let's discuss a few of these downsides below.

Reason #1: Some States Require It For Licensing

As you know, you need to take the state exams to gain licensing after you graduate from beauty school. This license allows you to offer the services that you learned in beauty school. In some states, you can only acquire this license if you have attended an accredited cosmetology program. If you attend a school that does not have proper accreditation, you may not be able to get a license. Obviously, that would prevent you from starting your career in cosmetology.

That said, not all states are the same. Some states don't require that you attend an accredited beauty school in order to take the exams. However, even if this is the case, enrolling in an accredited program is still a good idea. Salons and major companies will often perceive your abilities and knowledge based on whether you attended an accredited school.

Reason #2: Some Schools Require It For Transfers

Eventually, you may have a need to transfer to another cosmetology school. If you need to transfer credits from another beauty school, those credits may only be recognized by the new school if your previous classes were taken at an accredited school. Also, if you plan to take additional classes in the future to build on your knowledge and gain advanced degrees, you may be required to have taken prerequisite classes through an accredited cosmetology program.

Reason #3: Accreditation Is Required For Financial Aid

Because attending beauty school can cost a lot of money, students often try to get financial aid of some sort. Much of this financial aid is offered by the schools themselves. However, in order to offer certain types of financial aid (i.e. state-subsidized grants) to students, beauty schools must have previously gained accreditation from the NACCAS. Unfortunately, many students don't realize this when they enroll.

Often, less-attractive financial aid packages (i.e. loans) are offered by beauty schools once a student has completed a portion of the curriculum. If you enroll in a non-accredited cosmetology program, complete a part of the course work and then apply for financial aid, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise. Even worse, if you try to transfer the credits to an accredited program to take advantage of that school's financial aid package, your previous course work from the non-accredited school may not be accepted (see Reason #2 above). Find out beforehand whether the school in which you plan to enroll has accreditation.

Reason #4: School Curriculum and Faculty Have Been Reviewed

Attending an accredited beauty school means that the course work and faculty have been reviewed and determined to have met a minimal standard of performance. This can influence the perceptions others have on your abilities. When you graduate, it can have wide-reaching impacts on the beginning of your career in cosmetology.

First, salons to which you might apply after graduation may prefer stylists who graduated from an accredited beauty school. Accreditation implies a level of knowledge. It communicates to prospective salon owners that you, as a graduate, know enough to perform capably in the salon. Second, major companies for whom you work may want graduates who hail from accredited beauty schools.

Can Beauty Schools Lose Accreditation?

The NACCAS reviews beauty schools and cosmetology programs regularly. If an accredited beauty school's curriculum, faculty, facilities fall below the minimum standards set by the NACCAS, it's possible for that school to lose its accreditation. While it doesn't happen often, it does happen. Check with your school to ensure that it maintains its accredited status until the time you graduate.

Choosing An Accredited Beauty School To Attend

Attending an accredited beauty school can play a key role in the beginning of your career. Going to a school that lacks accreditation can prevent you from getting a license from the state after graduation. It can disallow transfer credits from other beauty schools and impact your chances for grants and other attractive financial aid packages. Lastly, it can prevent you from being a candidate for some salons and major companies. Before enrolling in a beauty school, ask them if the school has proper accreditation. That's the best way to avoid nasty surprises down the road.