Most beauty colleges require that applicants have a high school diploma or a General Education Development certificate, also called a GED (G-E-D) certificate.

In addition to working in beauty salons as a hairstylist or manicurist, those graduating from cosmetology school also have the option of becoming a beauty consultant.

The cost of completing a cosmetology program will depend on the price per tuition hour and the number of hours required for a particular license or degree.

Employment in the cosmetology field is predicted to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. While many new jobs will open up, there will also be an estimated 75,000 (seventy-five thousand) new graduates each year who will be competing with established cosmetologists for available positions.

Some cosmetology programs may be eligible for state or federal financial aid. If your ability to attend beauty school is dependent upon receiving financial help, be sure to check with the school in advance regarding their status.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a cosmetology school, including location, tuition cost, class sizes, technical facilities, and general atmosphere.