Are you passionate about hair, makeup, nails, and other aspects of the beauty industry? Capri College’s cosmetology program could be the perfect fit for you! Our 1,550-hour cosmetology program allows you to learn more about what you love and practice it through hands-on training in a professional salon setting. Each of our four Iowa campuses offers a supportive, family-like environment with dedicated instructors who encourage you to grow in your skills and artistry. Learn real-world skills that you could use in a beauty career that allows you to do what you love! We help you reach your educational goals every step of the way, from the beginning of your enrollment process to graduation and beyond. If you are unsure about whether you are ready for beauty school, you can give it a try risk-free thanks to our Two-Week Trial Period. Get in touch with us today to request more information about enrolling in our cosmetology program in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, or Waterloo.
Capri College has been a family-owned business in Eastern Iowa since 1966. We strive to make every student feel like a valuable part of our family. When you go to school here, you will not be just another number that gets lost in the crowd. Our passionate and caring staff and instructors take the time to learn more about you, so we can provide a personalized education that could help you reach your future career goals.
As a Capri student, you start and move through each unit with the same class. Everyone in your class is at the same level and learning together. Low student/teacher ratios mean you can get the individualized instruction you want, while having the chance to bond with the other students. This could lead to meaningful relationships and friendships that extend well beyond our school.
We offer multiple start dates throughout the year. Our cosmetology program begins on the following dates at all four of our campuses:
Begin the enrollment process whenever you are ready!
When Capri College opened its doors to students in 1966, the founder of the school wanted it to be “The Harvard of Cosmetology Schools.” Nearly 60 years later, our school has become a dynamic, student-centered beauty school with a supportive atmosphere that encourages students to unlock their potential, whether they want to learn hair styling, skincare, nail tech, or massage therapy.
This is a school where students can gain confidence through hands-on training and close interaction with caring instructors. Each campus is a part of the close-knit Capri family, fostering a sense of belonging that students might not find elsewhere.
When we say that we will help you every step of the way, we really mean it. Start your enrollment process today, and learn what it means to be part of our family.
An education in cosmetology could lead you down many exciting career paths. A licensed cosmetologist could work as a stylist in a salon, become a salon manager or owner, provide makeup and skincare services, work as a manicurist, or specialize as a hair consultant. Cosmetologists could be sales representatives for a manufacturer of beauty products. They could offer their services on a cruise ship or at a resort, or become a social media influencer. Some cosmetologists go on to be a photo, magazine, or movie stylist. Licensed stylists are often able to set their own hours and work doing things that they love to do, which is very different from working in a traditional office, restaurant, or factory setting.
At Capri College, we find that many students choose our cosmetology program because they realize traditional higher education is not for them. They prefer learning how to do hair, nails, makeup, and other beauty skills in a relatively short program with plenty of hands-on experience in the student salon area.
Tuition and fees for the cosmetology program amount to $19,180, and equipment, books, and uniforms come to $2,165. Total program cost is $21,345.
Cosmetology students attend school an average of 33 hours per week. Introductory cosmetology training is four days a week for 10-12 weeks. After successfully completing the introductory training, students are assigned a five-day schedule that includes evening hours (a four-day schedule may be allowed in specific locations or under special circumstances).
The entire 1,550-hour program can be completed in as little as 52 weeks.
Our cosmetology program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to sit for the State Exam. We recognize that many cosmetologists learn best by doing, which is why we put special focus on hands-on training in the student salon area, where students provide services to real clients from the community under the direct supervision of licensed instructors.
Our instruction also includes the business aspect of the beauty world, which is a practical way to prepare for a future as a cosmetologist, whether you go on to become a stylist in a salon, own your own salon, or branch out in a different direction.
Capri College has long-standing relationships with area salon and spa employers. We listen to them for ways we can keep our education current. While we cannot guarantee employment after attending our program, we do whatever we can to help students find a job in their area of choice.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Find out what you could qualify for by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). You could qualify for grants or loans. You may also want to check out various scholarships that apply to beauty school students. Call us at 1-800-728-7222 to speak to a Financial Aid advisor, who could help explain your options.
If you are interested in enrolling in our cosmetology program, check out our admissions requirements:
If you are ready to begin your enrollment journey, contact us to request more information or schedule your campus visit. We look forward to hearing from you!



![]()
fun hair Friday! 🩷🩵💜
••
#capricollege #iowabeautyschool #FunHairFriday #funhair
••
By hairby.natalierenea
🐈🐅🐆
••
#capricollege #iowabeautyschool #calicohair #trendyhair
••
By styled.by.kallie
Sun, chlorine, heat… your hair goes through a LOT in the summer☀️💦
Keep your strands healthy, hydrated & shining all season long with these simple summer hair care tips! ✨
What’s your biggest summer hair struggle- frizz, dryness, or green pool hair?! 👀👇🏼
#capricollege #iowabeautyschool #summerhair #summerbeauty #haircaretips
Your next inspo pic😏🤩
••
#capricollege #iowabeautyschool #icyblondehair #inspopic
••
By hair.by.gabbyjean
Dimensional queen👑🤎
••
#capricollege #iowabeautyschool #dimensionalhair #prettyhair
••
By hair.by.joah
A big Capri Family Welcome to our May 2026 nail tech class! They are on the clinic and ready to make your nail dreams come true!!
Call 563-388-6642 to book with them starting next week! 🎉💃🏻
#dowhatyoulove #BeautyCareer #capricollegedavenport #nailslove
Special effects makeup in action 🔥🩸
All FX makeup shown was created and performed by students under the supervision of a licensed instructor. The blood and injuries are completely fake — just creativity, talent, and hands-on learning! 🎨✨
.
Makeup by Morgan S.
.
#HairSchool #CosmetologySchool #BeautyCareer #capricollegedavenport #dowhatyoulove #yesss
Life’s too short for one-dimensional hair ✨
.
.
Hair by Paige N.
.
#CosmetologySchool #capricollegedavenport #BeautyCareer #dowhatyoulove #HairSchool
✨ Yesterday, our Cosmetology students and staff had an amazing time participating in a hands-on training with Joico! ✨
A huge thank you to educator Serena for taking the time to visit our Davenport campus and share her knowledge of the Joico color line. We truly appreciate the opportunity to learn from an industry professional and gain valuable insight into the latest techniques and products.
Thank you for helping inspire the next generation of beauty professionals! 💙✂️🎨
#fyp #joico #dowhatyoulove
Embracing her inner mermaid! 🧜♀️
.
.
Special effects makeup by Maddy H
.
#dowhatyoulove #CosmetologySchool #capricollegedavenport #BeautyCareer #vibesofvisuals
Yesterday, we proudly celebrated the graduation of our June 2025 Cosmetology Class! 🎓✨
We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished throughout their journey and excited to see all they will become as they begin the next chapter of their careers. Their hard work, dedication, and passion have brought them to this milestone, and we can`t wait to watch them shine in the beauty industry.
Congratulations, June! Your future is bright, and this is only the beginning 💇🏻♀️💄✨
•
#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #2026grad #futurecosmetologists
Want fuller, fluffier, and more defined brows? Brow lamination helps smooth and reshape brow hairs, creating a lifted, polished look that lasts for weeks! 👀
✔️ Creates the appearance of fuller brows
✔️ Tames unruly or coarse hairs
✔️ Enhances your natural brow shape
✔️ Low-maintenance beauty routine
✔️ Gives a sleek, lifted finish
Wake up with brows that are ready to go 🤍
Student work by @esthe.ticsbysophie
•
#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #studentwork #futureesthetician
Strawberry Swirl 🍓✨
We love a color block placement 🤩
Student work by @mk.hairsmith
•
#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #futurecosmetologist #studentwork
May Insta Look of the Month 🧡✨
Student work by @theameliaaesthetic
•
#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #studentwork #futurecosmetologist
Massage therapy students spent last Wednesday learning the fundamentals of Thai massage, exploring traditional techniques, body mechanics, and assisted stretching to enhance their hands-on skills and understanding of holistic care 💆🏻♀️✨
•
#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #massagetherapy #futuremassagetherapist
These volume lashes are giving bold, fluffy & flawless 🖤
•
•
Done By Cassie N.
Brows that speak for themselves 😍
•
•
Done by Natalie K.
Need a pick me up? Stop by our student leadership energy drink bar during your appointment! ☀️
Serving contrast in the best way 🧡🤍
•
•
Hair By Alex M.
© 2026 Capri College. All Rights Reserved. Site by Oozle Media Privacy Policy