Charlotte Schools with Cosmetology Programs
The institutions discussed in this article offer cosmetology training options within an hour's drive of central Charlotte. Get details about the coursework and hands-on requirements for the programs at three colleges. You can also take a glance at the table below which contains additional information on each school. Details on a couple of other colleges offering cosmetology courses are included as well.
- Gaston College is about 39 miles from downtown Charlotte and provides a 48-unit cosmetology diploma program.
- Stanly Community College is also 39 miles from the center of Charlotte and offers certificate, diploma and associate degree options in cosmetology.
- About 40 miles from Charlotte's downtown area is Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Cosmetology majors at this school have the option of earning a diploma, a certificate or an associate degree.
Comparison of Schools
Use this table to quickly and easily compare facts and figures for the three covered schools. There are details on costs, retention and graduation rates, enrollment numbers and more.
| Gaston College | Stanly Community College | Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | Community college, public | Community college, public | Community college, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 4,953* | 2,456* | 6,716* |
| Campus Setting | Midsize suburb | Distant town | Midsize suburb |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $2,862 for in-state students; $9,006 for out-of-state students* | $2,794 for in-state students; $9,245 for out-of-state students* | $2,626 for in-state students; $8,770 for out-of-state students* |
| % of Beginning Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 50%* | 67%* | 84%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | N/A - Open admissions* | N/A - Open admissions* | N/A - Open admissions* |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021) | 67% for full-time students* | 83% for full-time students* | 58% for full-time students* |
| Graduation Rate (for Students Beginning in Fall 2018) | 39%* | 56%* | 34%* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
Gaston College
In addition to maintaining a minimum GPA and earning no less than a 'C' on each course, students will be responsible for their transportation to clinical and laboratory activities. The courses can prepare students to take the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts exam.
Cosmetology Diploma
It takes about four semesters to complete the 48-unit cosmetology program offered at Gaston College. There are several courses on salon work and cosmetology practices. The rest of the program's coursework goes over communications, general psychology and computerized salon operations.
Stanly Community College
In addition to the cosmetology programs offered at this school, students might want to pursue the various courses available for nail technicians and estheticians.
Cosmetology Certificate
As part of the requirements for state licensure, students in the cosmetology certificate program at the school must spend six months working under a licensed cosmetologist. This requirement is a part of the program's required 1,500 contact hours. Students can learn about multicultural practices, nail care, skin care, hair design, chemical processors and product knowledge. A diploma program is also available in cosmetology and includes the same core classes, but this program also requires three general education classes.
Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology
This 2-year degree program has similar cosmetology coursework as the certificate and diploma programs. The difference between the programs is that the associate degree program allows students to take a variety of general education courses in subjects like mathematics, science, business, English and humanities.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Students can provide cosmetology services to the public through the on-campus salon. Learners may gain the chance to shampoo, cut, style and color clients' hair.
Cosmetology Certificate
The length of this certificate program is 34 credit hours. Each semester, students must take a salon course and a cosmetology concepts class. Introductory topics are covered at the beginning of the program, and students must work their way up to more advanced topics within the field. The program takes about one year to complete.
Cosmetology Diploma
In addition to the classes included in the certificate program, students also get to select a few other courses in writing or communications, as well as psychology or sociology. Students need to take a total of 47 credit hours to earn the diploma, and the program takes a little over a year to finish.
Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology
All the cosmetology courses covered in the diploma and certificate programs at this school must be completed during this program as well. However, students also get the chance to take coursework in public speaking, small business, computers, biology and mathematics. There are additional courses available in contemporary design and contemporary hair coloring. Students must earn a minimum of 67 credit hours to graduate, which typically takes two years.
Other Schools
About 42 miles from Charlotte's downtown area is Mitchell Community College, which provides cosmetology diploma and cosmetology instructor certificate programs. Cleveland Community College is 43 miles from downtown Charlotte and offers similar cosmetology programs.