Essential Information
South Carolina students can find cosmetology programs at a number of local schools. Programs lead to the award of a diploma, certificate, or associate's degree. Much of students' training is hands-on, allowing individuals to practice their skills under the supervision of instructors and certified cosmetologists. Some programs offer the opportunity to work with real clients through student-run salons and clinical practice.
Career Requirements
Those interested in working as cosmetologists in the state of South Carolina must be at least 16 years old and hold a 10th grade education. Licensees must also undergo 1,500 hours of training from an approved program. Applicants must then pass the South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology exam and pay a fee.
Below are 8 public and private non-profit South Carolina colleges that offer cosmetology programs. All of the programs prepare students to take the state's licensing exam; however, not every program requires all of the 1,500 training hours needed as a prerequisite for licensure.
Denmark Technical College
Denmark Technical College is situated in the city of Denmark and serves just over 1,600 students annually. The school's cosmetology program offers students the opportunity to earn a 49-credit diploma. Students can study hair and skin care techniques. The program also offers courses in sales and small business ownership.
Florence-Darlington Technical College
Florence-Darlington Technical College is a 2-year school located in Florence. More than 6,000 students enroll in the college's associate's degree and certificate programs. Florence-Darlington offers a cosmetology certificate program that requires students to complete at least 39 credit hours. Students can learn about various hair care and styling techniques and may practice their skills on a mannequin. The program also offers a course in nail care that covers manicuring techniques and nail anatomy. Florence-Darlington's cosmetology program can be completed in 4 semesters.
Greenville Technical College
Based in the city of Greenville, Greenville Technical College offers a variety of career and technical programs, including a diploma program in cosmetology. This 4-semester program stresses the importance of hands-on learning and technical expertise. Experienced professionals teach cosmetology students about chemistry, salon sanitation and business management. Students also learn how to cut, dye and style hair while tending to real clients at an on-campus clinical salon.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Horry-Georgetown Technical College is located in the city of Conway. The school offers a cosmetology certificate program for students interested in a career as a licensed cosmetologist. The certificate program consists of 40 credit hours of coursework. Students take courses in hair, skin and nail care.
Remington College - Columbia Campus
Remington College in Columbia is a private college that awards vocational certificates in various career fields. This small school enrolls less than 400 students. Remington offers a cosmetology diploma program. Students enrolled in the cosmetology program can take classes on hair removal, facials, hair styling, makeup and nail care. In addition, students explore the business end of running a beauty salon. Students gain hands-on experience in Remington's own clinical lab. After practicing on mannequins, students can work with real clients from the local community in the school's salon.
Technical College of the Lowcountry
The Technical College of the Lowcountry is an institution in the town of Beaufort that grants associate's degrees and certificates. The school offers a cosmetology diploma program that can be completed in 3 semesters. Students develop their business skills and study hair, skin and nail theories. The college has a salon located on campus where students can practice their craft on actual clients. This program includes all 1,500 training hours needed to apply for cosmetology licensure.
Trident Technical College
Trident Technical College is located in Charleston. The college provides flexible 1- and 2-year programs to over 16,000 students annually. Cosmetology students can earn a certificate, a diploma or an associate's degree; all 3 programs prepare students for the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology examination. The certificate program teaches the basics of hair styling, makeup application and nail care techniques in 4 semesters of full-time study or 6 semesters of part-time study. Classes cover clinicals, facials, hair waving and scalp care. The diploma program teaches basic hair, nail and makeup training; students are also required to take courses in communication and psychology. Associate's degree students must complete 60 credits in cosmetology topics like hair shaping, dermatology and nail technology. In addition, students can study small business management and operation.
Williamsburg Technical College
Williamsburg Technical College is located in the town of Kingstree. The school provides an Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology program. Students must complete at least 84 credits for this degree. The coursework explores hair coloring and lightening, facials, makeup and nail care. In addition, students must complete courses in public speaking and computer concepts, as well as 12 credit hours in small business management.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type & Setting | Cosmetology Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark Technical College | 2-year, public; rural | Cosmetology Diploma | In-state: $5,568, Out-of-state: $10,897* |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College | 2-year, public; rural | Cosmetology Certificate | In-district: $4,462, In-state: $4,726, Out-of-state: $6,598* |
| Greenville Technical College | 2-year, public; small city | Cosmetology Diploma in Applied Science | In-district: $4,566, In-state: $4,974, Out-of-state: $9,078* |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College | 2-year, public; small city | Cosmetology Certificate | In-district: $4,252, In-state: $5,212, Out-of-state: $8,380* |
| Remington College - Columbia Campus | < 2-year, private, not-for-profit; midsized city | Cosmetology Diploma | $20,025* |
| Technical College of the Lowcountry | 2-year, public; distant town | Cosmetology Diploma | In-state: $5,284, Out-of-state: $10,036* |
| Trident Technical College | 2-year, public; small city | Certificate of Applied Science in Cosmetology, Diploma of Applied Science in Cosmetology, Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology | In-district: $4,551, In-state: $5,033, Out-of-state: $8,484* |
| Williamsburg Technical College | 2-year, public; rural | Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology | In-district: $4,368, In-state: $4,488, Out-of-state: $8,280* |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics.