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Cosmetology school in Wisconsin

13 cosmetology programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

13 schools offer these cosmetology programs, and Wisconsin has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Hairstylists and cosmetologists shampoo, cut, color and style hair. Every state requires a license: you finish a state-approved program, which usually leads to a certificate, and then pass a state licensing exam.1

In Wisconsin, 4 of the 13 programs take students without a high school diploma, 8 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 1 asks for earlier courses first.

All 13 are the same kind of program: cosmetology license program.

See the 13 programs

How much does cosmetology school cost in Wisconsin?

$5,994 to $9,192 is what most cosmetology programs in Wisconsin cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 13 programs with a price. All of them: $4,576 to $28,037

In the typical program

Finished the program
71%
Working 6 months later
74%
Earned a year, estimated
about $21,800
Length
32 to 46 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Wisconsin may also offer cosmetology school. How these figures are made

Is there free cosmetology school in Wisconsin?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 13 cosmetology programs in Wisconsin approved for WIOA funding

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13 programs

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Milwaukee Area Technical College

    Milwaukee

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Milwaukee Area Technical College, MilwaukeeCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$19,900
    Price if you pay yourself$4,576
    Program website, Cosmetology at Milwaukee Area Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Milwaukee Area Technical College
    Finished
    21%
    Working at 6 months
    67%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,978
    Length
    32 weeks, 19 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,505
    Students counted
    533
    Earned a year, estimated
    $19,900
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,576
    Program website, Cosmetology at Milwaukee Area Technical College

  • Cosmetology license programIn personNo diploma needed

    Cosmetology

    Gateway Technical College

    Kenosha

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Gateway Technical College, KenoshaCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$20,900
    Price if you pay yourself$6,784
    Program website, Cosmetology at Gateway Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Gateway Technical College
    Finished
    38%
    Working at 6 months
    71%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,233
    Length
    45 weeks, 32 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    411
    Earned a year, estimated
    $20,900
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,784
    Program website, Cosmetology at Gateway Technical College

  • Cosmetology license programHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Madison Area Technical College

    Madison

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Madison Area Technical College, MadisonCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$23,800
    Price if you pay yourself$9,192
    School website, Cosmetology at Madison Area Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Madison Area Technical College
    Finished
    38%
    Working at 6 months
    71%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,948
    Length
    32 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    350
    Earned a year, estimated
    $23,800
    Price if you pay yourself
    $9,192
    School website, Cosmetology at Madison Area Technical College

  • Cosmetology license programHybridNo diploma needed

    Cosmetology

    Waukesha County Technical College

    Pewaukee

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Waukesha County Technical College, PewaukeeCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$27,600
    Price if you pay yourself$5,726
    Program website, Cosmetology at Waukesha County Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Waukesha County Technical College
    Finished
    83%
    Working at 6 months
    84%
    Earned in a quarter
    $6,903
    Length
    32 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    244
    Earned a year, estimated
    $27,600
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,726
    Program website, Cosmetology at Waukesha County Technical College

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Chippewa Valley Technical College

    Eau Claire

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau ClaireCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$23,200
    Price if you pay yourself$8,360

    5 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Cosmetology at Chippewa Valley Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Chippewa Valley Technical College
    Finished
    59%
    Working at 6 months
    78%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,808
    Length
    40 weeks, 36 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,669
    Students counted
    231
    Earned a year, estimated
    $23,200
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,360
    students trained with WIOA funding
    5
    Program website, Cosmetology at Chippewa Valley Technical College

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    JDA Associates Inc DBA Academy of Beauty Professionals

    Verona

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    JDA Associates Inc DBA Academy of Beauty Professionals, VeronaCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$21,800
    Price if you pay yourself$28,037
    Program website, Cosmetology at JDA Associates Inc DBA Academy of Beauty Professionals
    More details about Cosmetology at JDA Associates Inc DBA Academy of Beauty Professionals
    Finished
    48%
    Working at 6 months
    73%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,455
    Length
    44 weeks, 35 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $951
    Students counted
    199
    Earned a year, estimated
    $21,800
    Price if you pay yourself
    $28,037
    Program website, Cosmetology at JDA Associates Inc DBA Academy of Beauty Professionals

  • Cosmetology license programIn personEducation and courses

    Cosmetology

    Moraine Park Technical College

    Fond du Lac

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du LacCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$23,000
    Price if you pay yourself$5,994

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Cosmetology at Moraine Park Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Moraine Park Technical College
    Finished
    74%
    Working at 6 months
    73%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,748
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $2,700
    Students counted
    194
    Earned a year, estimated
    $23,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,994
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3
    Program website, Cosmetology at Moraine Park Technical College

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    The Salon Professional Academy

    Onalaska

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    The Salon Professional Academy, OnalaskaCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedLeft out
    Price if you pay yourself$24,900
    School website, Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy
    More details about Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy
    Finished
    78%
    Working at 6 months
    86%
    Earned in a quarter
    Left out
    Length
    54 weeks, 34 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,034
    Students counted
    155
    Earned a year, estimated
    Left out
    Price if you pay yourself
    $24,900
    School website, Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy

  • Cosmetology license programIn personNo diploma needed

    Cosmetology

    Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

    Fennimore

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, FennimoreCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$18,600
    Price if you pay yourself$7,030
    Program website, Cosmetology at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
    Finished
    71%
    Working at 6 months
    66%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,645
    Length
    40 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    97
    Earned a year, estimated
    $18,600
    Price if you pay yourself
    $7,030
    Program website, Cosmetology at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Nicolet College

    Rhinelander

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Nicolet College, RhinelanderCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$21,800
    Price if you pay yourself$6,085
    Program website, Cosmetology at Nicolet College
    More details about Cosmetology at Nicolet College
    Finished
    71%
    Working at 6 months
    86%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,454
    Length
    45 weeks, 36 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,060
    Students counted
    77
    Earned a year, estimated
    $21,800
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,085
    Program website, Cosmetology at Nicolet College

  • Cosmetology license programIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Northcentral Technical College

    Wausau

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Northcentral Technical College, WausauCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$21,300
    Price if you pay yourself$6,371
    More details about Cosmetology at Northcentral Technical College
    Finished
    77%
    Working at 6 months
    79%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,330
    Length
    48 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    58
    Earned a year, estimated
    $21,300
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,371

  • Cosmetology license programHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cosmetology

    Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty and Culture, LLC

    Madison

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty and Culture, LLC, MadisonCosmetology license programHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$20,900
    Price if you pay yourself$10,275

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Cosmetology at Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty and Culture, LLC
    More details about Cosmetology at Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty and Culture, LLC
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    75%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,237
    Length
    52 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,154
    Students counted
    12
    Earned a year, estimated
    $20,900
    Price if you pay yourself
    $10,275
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3
    Program website, Cosmetology at Chanell Ardor Schools of Beauty and Culture, LLC

  • Cosmetology license programIn personNo diploma needed

    Cosmetology

    Northwood Technical College

    Rice Lake

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Northwood Technical College, Rice LakeCosmetology license program · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$5,026
    Program website, Cosmetology at Northwood Technical College
    More details about Cosmetology at Northwood Technical College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 44 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,700
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,026
    Program website, Cosmetology at Northwood Technical College

How to pay for cosmetology school in Wisconsin

WIOA funding can pay for cosmetology school in Wisconsin

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for cosmetology school

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for cosmetology school

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Quick facts: Cosmetology school in Wisconsin

lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
5th of 20
other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
6 of 9
cosmetology programs here, against the typical state's 4
13 vs 4

State comparisons use the same figures as the cosmetology school by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Cosmetology school in Madison, Milwaukee, Kenosha and other Wisconsin cities

Choosing an area filters the program list above. 3 more programs are in 3 other areas, 1 in smaller cities and towns.

Other training in Wisconsin

How cosmetology school compares with the rest of beauty and personal care: Beauty school in Wisconsin

Where the Wisconsin cosmetology program numbers come from

Which Wisconsin cosmetology programs are on this list?

These are the cosmetology programs Wisconsin approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Wisconsin offers.

How the prices and results of Wisconsin cosmetology programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about cosmetology school in Wisconsin

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List