Cosmetology School Tours - What to look for?

Watch the students on the floor. look at how clean the school is. Does your daughter want to do hair, nails, and skin? If she doesn't want to do all of them make sure she finds out the information for all of them. She needs to ask what happens if she starts all and decides she only wants one or two. This really screwed me up because When I got into it I started with all 3 and hated nails and facials freaked me out. I really was only interested in hair and that is all I wanted to do but because of financial aid I had to take all three. I did how ever drop the 2 I didn't want but was penalized do to dropping them. My hours got screwed up and I ended up doing all the hours for all three but only getting my hair section. Talk to some of the instructors. Ask them what they like about teaching there. talk tot he students ask them if they like going there.
I would have her sit down and make a list of questions so when you go in there she won't forget anything. Talk to the owner and the manager. talk to the financial department. I know here in Oregon the hours are the same no matter what school you go to but In some states it could differ between schools.

also ask questions about the safety and sanitation part of the program. I know that I had to take safety and sanitation for all three when I was only taking hair. but I did drop them after the fact. I went to school so many years ago I am sure it is totally different now.

Good luck...

I would also call the state board and ask if they have a list of schools and their grade rate... Kinda like report cards the high schools have now.

I would start by familiarizing yourself with your state laws on cosmetology. My state you have to take instruction on all 3 areas even tho you may not practice them.
I would also look into a community college program. Larger/bigger community colleges have cosmetology programs and they are MUCH cheaper than those privately run. Most states license are determined by hours completed along with state sanctioned final exams. My school was a community college, so I was able to take winter break, spring break, etc. I was able to finish in a full school year. Aug-May. A private school will finish upon whatever she puts in as hours. Some take a straight 9 months to finish, others will take longer. Our current private schools are running $20,000-$30,000 a year.

If possible tour the schools. Check out cleanliness. Check how many instructors are on the floor. How many customers are there? See if you can tell the type of clientele they work on. For instance, I was in the middle of Kansas, and we worked on the "Blue Patrol". Those little ole ladies who got their hair washed weekly, a blue rinse, set on blue rods, and a blue rod perm every 3 months. We never did any ethnic hair, no mens cuts, etc. She will want to have some variety in her skills and learning.
You will also want to ask about financing. Most have plans available, pell grants, etc.

Good luck!

This is absolutely correct. Go to the least expensive school.  You will not learn to be a great cosmetologist in "Beauty School". You will most likely need advance training once you are licensed if you want to work in a top salon and make big bucks. Either that or get the license and then work as an assistant in a top salon for a year.