Two ways in: pay for school (1,521 U.S. schools offer Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs at certificate/associate level, median net price $15,216/yr) or get paid to train (710 registered apprenticeship sponsors nationwide). State-licensed everywhere with hour minimums (commonly 1,000–1,600); Pell-eligible at accredited schools; hour requirements vary by state.
State license required: Texas, Florida, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan.
Requirements differ sharply by state — check your state's page below for the specific rule, hours, and exam, each cited to the official board.
Aid windows and sponsor application openings, for your state.
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