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.” Sixty 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!



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✂️ Cuts That Give Back 💗
From October 12–16, every haircut at Capri College will help support the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital! 🏥💛
And to make an even bigger impact, Capri College will match the total amount raised!
So come in, freshen up your look, and help us make a difference—one haircut at a time. ✨
📞 Call 319-364-1541 to schedule your appointment or stop in to donate!
Every cut counts. Every donation matters. 💕
💜Fun-Hair-Friday🩷
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#capricollege #iowabeautyschool #prettyhair #FunHairFriday #pinkhair
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By glow.with.halie
Competition styling!
Theme: Hollywood Horror
🕷️🎥🩸🖤
Something about a rich, warm brunette in the fall…🍁😻
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#capricollege #iowabeautyschool #prettyhair #fallvibes #brownhair
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By styled.x.jennifer
LEAST favorite hair trend!
⬇️drop yours in the comments⬇️
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styledbylafayette_
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#capricollege #iowabeautyschool #hairtrends #leastfavorite #cosmoschool
Congratulations to this week’s graduates! Amyah, Derika, Cadence, and Michelle we are so proud of you!
Short, chic & serving ✂️✨ Nothing hits quite like a fresh bob. 🤍
Hair by Madi C
#hairtransformation #FreshHair #HairInspo #SalonFresh
Icy blonde ❄️💎
Hair by Jaida H
#hairtransformation #blondes #blondespecialist
Bright, blended & beautifully blonde ✨🤍
Hair by Novalee
#BlondeHighlights #BlondeHair #FreshHighlights #DimensionalBlonde #BlondeGoals #HairTransformation #FreshHair
Calico hair, but make it ✨stunning✨ 🧡🤎🤍 The perfect mix of bold contrast, warm tones & dimensional color. Absolutely OBSESSED with how this turned out. 🔥
Hair by Chloe L
#CalicoHair #CalicoHairColor #DimensionalColor #HairInspo #HairTransformation
Just a pop of purple 💜
Student work by @bolingbeauty
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#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #popofpurple #studentwork #futurecosmetologist
💅✨ Cheers to our June 2026 Nail Tech Class! ✨💅
We are so proud of everything this class has accomplished, and we loved celebrating their graduation! 🎓💖
We can’t wait to see where their talent, creativity, and passion take them next. Congratulations, graduates — your future is bright! ✨
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#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #futurenailtech #nailtechgraduate
Chocolate caramel dreams 🍫💭
Student work by @bybelarose
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#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #fallhaircolor #cosmetologystudentwork
Lights off. Nails on. 🎬🩸💅
These scary Halloween movie-themed nails are bringing all the creepy, spooky, and slightly unhinged vibes to your fingertips 👻🔪🕷️
Because why just watch your favorite horror movies when you can wear the nightmares? 🖤🍿
Student work by @nailart_by.j
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#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #halloweennails🎃 #futurenailtech #nailtechstudent
The perfect warm, fall blonde ✨
Student work by @baileygracebeauty
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#dowhatyoulove #dowhatyouloveatcapri #capri #capricollege #capricollegedubuque #capridubuque #dubuqueiowa #warmfallblonde #fallblonde #studentwork
✂️💛 HAIRCUTS FOR A CAUSE 💛✂️
From October 12–16, we’re turning every haircut into an opportunity to give back!
Throughout the week, ALL proceeds from haircut services will be donated to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. 🏥❤️
That means when you come in for a fresh cut, you’re not just treating yourself, you’re helping support children and families receiving care right here in Iowa.
📅 October 12–16
✂️ Book a haircut
💛 100% of haircut proceeds donated
Help us make a difference, one haircut at a time! Share this post, spread the word, and come see us during this special week. 💕
#ChildrensMiracleNetwork #SteadFamilyChildrensHospital #HaircutsForACause #GiveBack #SupportLocal #ForTheKids #CapriCollege
Help us welcome our September Massage Therapy class! Follow along as they work towards taking clients! ✨
Ella, we are so proud of you! We wish you all the best at your next stop at KJ & Kompany! You will do amazing and we will miss you so much 🫶🏻
Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, the families forever changed, and a nation that came together in the face of unimaginable tragedy. May we continue to honor their memories, hold their loved ones close in our hearts, and never forget the courage, sacrifice, and unity shown on September 11, 2001. ❤️🤍💙
9.11.2001 — Never Forget.
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