No matter your desires for your future, education and planning your career path are essential parts of reaching your goals. Developing a clear plan for the career you want can help you define the steps you need to get there. For most, continued education is a pivotal step in reaching success. Over half of adults in the US have college degrees, certificates, or industry-recognized certifications. Yet, choosing the type of education that’s best for you may not be as easy as you think.

If you dream of a career in hair care, beauty, or skincare, an education in cosmetology can be a good choice. In this blog, we go over the differences between college and beauty school in hopes that you can make the right decision for you.

Exploring Traditional College Education

There are many benefits to pursuing a traditional college education. With a diverse range of studies, you can learn multiple subjects to advance your career path or start a new one. Since a college education is designed to give students a well-rounded education that applies to several career paths, these institutions have specific requirements for applying and generally require students to take a range of classes that aren’t directly related to their chosen career. Yet, for those with minimal time constraints, the benefits can be worth the time investment.

These advantages are the reason that many individuals choose to enroll in traditional colleges to obtain a degree:

• Broad Education: To obtain a college degree, students are required to enroll in a variety of classes, which can lead to new interests.
• Diverse Career Options: A traditional bachelor’s degree is required for many career fields.
• Transferable Skills: A diverse education can provide transferrable skills that can be used if you decide to change careers.
• The College Experience: Young students with minimal time constraints may be seeking a traditional on-campus college experience.

Embracing the World of Beauty School

For individuals who are certain their future lies in the field of beauty, beauty school can provide a faster, more targeted path to success. Beauty schools provide focused education in specific areas of cosmetology, including hair care, esthetics, nail tech, or barbering. Since cosmetology programs are designed to help students earn certification in a focused area of study, a wide range of outside courses aren’t required. Education often takes place in a variety of settings, including classrooms, student salons, and eventually a public salon setting.

These advantages are the reason that many students choose beauty school instead of traditional college:

• Focused, Hands-On Training: When you’re pursuing a passion, this approach can help you learn quickly and efficiently.
• Shorter Program Durations: If you’re eager to start a career in a field you’re confident is right for you, beauty school can enable you to get certified in a shorter time period.
• Lower Tuition Compared to College: Even with financial assistance, traditional college is expensive. The more focused educational approach of beauty schools leads to lower costs.
• A Learning Environment Suited to Busy Lifestyles: When you’re certain about a career in cosmetology, spending time in courses that don’t align with that goal can feel like a waste of time.

College or Beauty School: Making the Decision

Deciding which path to take when pursuing higher education, isn’t a choice to be taken lightly. It’s essential to take the time to consider all your options and the benefits provided by each. Before making your final decision, you’ll need to conduct in-depth research and consider how the pros and cons align with your lifestyle.

Gathering Information

Begin by researching the colleges and beauty schools you may consider attending.

• Learn the requirements of enrollment for each learning facility.
• Determine the length of time it will take to get a certificate or degree.
• Research the learning environment and opportunities for hands-on training.
• Find out about additional course requirements.

After learning about different facilities, continue your research by visiting campuses and schools. Take tours to explore learning environments, and schedule appointments to speak with admissions advisors and career counselors.

Analyzing the Pros and Cons

Before weighing the advantages of one school over the other, it’s a good idea to create a personal list of pros and cons. Consider what you expect from your education and how each institution will play a part in meeting your expectations. Use this personal compass to prioritize which benefits are most important to you based on your values and goals. As you work through your decision, seek guidance from family members, peers, and mentors. The people who know you best can help you work through the pros and cons of each choice in relation to your personality, lifestyle, and goals.

Financial Planning

For most people, the cost of training will play an important role in choosing an ideal educational facility. However, when possible, financial concerns shouldn’t dictate your situation alone. Opportunities to obtain financial assistance or set up a payment plan may be available for both types of schools. Take these steps to get your financial plan for your education on track.

• Compare the costs of college and beauty school. Make sure to include all costs, including tuition, supplies, and housing.
• Explore financial aid options and scholarships provided by the schools you’re considering.
• Create a budget based on your income and the educational costs you’ll be responsible for. Include a clear financial plan that clarifies how you will be able to maintain your responsibilities comfortably.

Taking the Next Steps in Your Career Journey

Choosing an educational path to your dream career isn’t a quick and easy choice. If your passion lies in the many opportunities provided by cosmetology, beauty school might be the best choice for your continued education. The world of cosmetology includes a multitude of opportunities to follow different career paths that align with your interests.

Whether you dream of getting a rounded education in basic cosmetology, hope to dazzle with your skills as a nail technician, are interested in sharing the value of pampering and professional skincare treatments, or have always wanted to learn how to become a barber, your journey can begin at Broken Arrow Beauty College. If you’re ready to take the next steps in following your dreams to launch a career in cosmetology, reach out to us to get answers to your questions and the information you need to get started.