Cosmetology completion scholarship
$2,200Conditional on completing cosmetology training; transfer scholarships are prorated to contracted hours.
- Program price
- At least $27,088
- Schedule
- Full-time and part-time options
- Program length
- 1,550 hours
- Next start
- Oct 20, 2026
About the program
PCI Academy’s Ames campus offers 1,550 hours of cosmetology and barbering training, combining hair, skin and nail services with business development. The course includes 590 hours of theory and 960 hours of supervised practical instruction.
- Fundamentals: the first 12 weeks build initial skills through a shared 20-hour weekly classroom schedule.
- After Fundamentals: select a 20-, 30- or 40-hour weekly attendance pattern while developing practical skills with clients.
The current course is campus-based; hybrid distance education is not being offered.
What you get
- School diploma: complete the 1,550 hours, all assignments/tests and project records, maintain 85% grades and 85% attendance, and pay tuition and fees in full.
- Professional license: passing the state exam and obtaining the licence are separate from the diploma. PCI covers the first-time exam and licence fees for graduates.
Career-placement assistance is available, but employment is not guaranteed.
Schedules & start dates
The weekly hours shown are for After Fundamentals. Everyone begins with 20 hours per week for the first 12 weeks, then moves to the chosen pattern. Schedule changes depend on availability and must remain in effect for three months before another change can be requested.
Listed starts apply to the program; availability for an individual attendance pattern is not specified.
| Study option | Class schedule | Hours per week | Upcoming starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time 20 months |
| 20 hours/week | Not listed |
| Part-time 20 months |
| 20 hours/week | Not listed |
| Part-time 20 months |
| 20 hours/week | Not listed |
| Part-time 20 months |
| 20 hours/week | Not listed |
| Part-time 20 months |
| 20 hours/week | Not listed |
| Part-time 20 months |
| 20 hours/week | Not listed |
| Full-time 14 months |
| 30 hours/week | Not listed |
| Full-time 14 months |
| 30 hours/week | Not listed |
| Full-time 14 months |
| 30 hours/week | Not listed |
| Full-time 14 months |
| 30 hours/week | Not listed |
| Full-time 12 months |
| 40 hours/week | Not listed |
| Full-time 12 months |
| 40 hours/week | Not listed |
| Full-time 12 months |
| 40 hours/week | Not listed |
| Full-time 12 months |
| 40 hours/week | Not listed |
| Full-time 12 months |
| 40 hours/week | Not listed |
| Full-time 12 months |
| 40 hours/week | Not listed |
Upcoming program starts
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cosmetology program
Cost & financial aid
Program price
At least $27,088
Minimum program cost before financial aid
The comparison includes tuition and the $100 application fee. Books, kits and products used for services are supplied at no extra charge. PCI pays each graduate’s first-time state exam and licence fees.
You supply basic classroom materials, an electronic device, an apron and bookbag, and clothing that meets the dress code. The $2,200 completion scholarship is conditional on finishing and is shown separately, not deducted from the initial comparison.
What's included
- 1550-hour Cosmetology tuition1550-hour Cosmetology tuition, effective January 1, 2026.
- $26,988
- Application FeeNon-refundable fee due with the enrollment application.
- $100
Federal financial aid
Available to qualifying students
Eligible students can apply for Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans, using FAFSA code 015245.
PCI offers a $2,200 cosmetology completion scholarship and 0% monthly payment plans with at least 10% down. The first monthly payment is due on the first day of class. Other scholarships and supported funding routes depend on individual eligibility.
0% monthly tuition payments
Minimum 10% down; first monthly payment due on the first class day and the balance paid before graduation.
Second-program discount and fee waiver
Students taking a second PCI program receive 10% off its stated tuition and an application-fee waiver; not a general first-course discount.
High-school and industry scholarships
External opportunities are listed; amounts and eligibility vary.
Beauty Changes Lives
External beauty-industry scholarship opportunities; no award is guaranteed.
Beauty Schools Directory scholarship
External scholarship opportunity for qualifying beauty students.
GI Bill and military benefits
The school reports acceptance; individual eligibility must be determined by the applicable benefit program.
Vocational rehabilitation funding
Listed support route, subject to individual eligibility.
Education and Training Voucher grant
The school lists ETV grant funding; individual eligibility and award amounts are not established.
529 education savings
Education savings are listed as a funding route, not a scholarship or federal aid award.
How to enroll
Entry requirements
- Education: high-school graduation or an equivalent credential; Ability-to-Benefit admission is not offered. Foreign education requires a SpanTran evaluation at the student’s expense.
- Documents: education records, photo identification and the enrollment contract.
- Transfers: prior training is individually reviewed before classes begin; adjustments are not made after starting.
Application steps
- Complete the enrollment application and pay the $100 application fee.
- Provide education records and photo ID, and arrange a career-planning meeting. Complete the enrollment agreement.
- Choose an available start and attendance pattern. The enrollment cutoff is two weeks before orientation; orientation is required before classes.
- Complete the FAFSA if seeking federal aid, using Ames code 015245.
School approval & accreditation
- Iowa school or program approval
- Approval number:
- 00109
- Status:
- Active
- Accreditation
- Not confirmed
Sources
View source list8 sources
- PCI Academy Ames school catalog School catalog · Retrieved Oct 4, 2026
- PCI Academy | Cosmetology & Esthetics Training in Ames, Iowa Official school source · Retrieved Oct 4, 2026
- Cosmetology School | PCI Academy Official school source · Retrieved Oct 4, 2026
- Financial Assistance - PCI Academy - Learn. Earn. Lead. Official school source · Retrieved Oct 4, 2026
- FAQs - PCI Academy - Learn. Earn. Lead. Official school source · Retrieved Oct 4, 2026
- Admissions - PCI Academy - Learn. Earn. Lead. Official school source · Retrieved Oct 4, 2026
- Iowa school or program approval record State regulator · Retrieved Oct 4, 2026
- Iowa school or program approval record State regulator · Retrieved Oct 20, 2026