Discover Our Hands-On Cosmetology Program in a Supportive, Family-Like Environment

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.

Boost Your Future with an Education in Cosmetology

Turn your passion for beauty into a successful career in as little as 52 weeks!

At Capri College, our Cosmetology Program goes beyond just teaching great hair, skin, and nail techniques — it’s designed to shape you into a confident, skilled, and business-savvy beauty professional. You’ll learn everything from cutting and coloring to client experience and business to build your talent and confidence step by step.

Foundation & Branding

Your journey starts with the basics — haircutting, styling, color theory, nail care, and skincare — all while discovering your creative spark. You’ll also begin your business training journey with Branding Mastery, a one-of-a-kind course that helps you define your personal brand, stand out in the beauty industry, and start thinking like a professional from day one.

Skill Building & Client Success

Now it’s time to level up! You will dive deeper into design, color, and advanced techniques as you move into the Designer Level. You’ll also continue your business education with the Client Success Growth Series, where you’ll learn how to deliver five-star service experiences, grow your client base, and build strong professional relationships that last.

Advanced Design & Business Simulation

This is where creativity and confidence shine! At the Advanced Designer Level, you’ll work to improve your speed, precision, and artistry. Alongside your advanced skills, you’ll participate in hands-on business simulations, learning what it takes to run and grow your own beauty business — from setting goals to managing client flow and creating a thriving salon culture.

Career Readiness & State Board Preparation

You will prepare for your State Licensing Exam while refining your craft and polishing your professional image. We’ll guide you through career strategies, interview preparation, and employment opportunities — so you graduate ready to succeed as a stylist, salon owner, educator, or beauty influencer.

If you are interested in learning cosmetology at Capri College, contact us to request more information about our enrollment process and how to apply for financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. During the enrollment process, we ask you to schedule a visit to the campus of your choice. While you are there, we can discuss your educational goals and answer any questions you have concerning our program.

see what our students have to say

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I attended Capri last year and graduated through the cosmetology program and my college experience was great! All the instructors there are very kind and helpful while still letting you have full range of your creativity! S.O to my instructor Surp for pushing me to finish my hours!

Grecia G.

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I graduated from Capri almost 2 years from the cosmetology program and Capri definitely set me up for success with all the knowledge my instructors had and passed down to me! If you are interested in going to cosmetology school I highly recommend Capri College in Waterloo

Madison M.

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Capri in Waterloo is absolutely amazing.I went to school there and they did amazing job I learned so much. I graduated and I still get my hair done there because there prices and the teachers and students do such amazing job every time.

Barbara S.

Why Choose Cosmetology?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Cosmetology Program

How much does the cosmetology program cost?

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.

How many hours a week do cosmetology students spend at school?

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.

How do you prepare students for a future career in cosmetology?

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.

What kinds of financial aid are available?

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.

Begin Dreaming About an Exciting Education in Cosmetology

If you are interested in enrolling in our cosmetology program, check out our admissions requirements:

  • Submit a completed application form and $100 fee.
  • Visit the campus of choice
  • Submit a high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED/HiSET certificate.
  • Submit a copy of a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID.

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!

our partners




instagram@capricollegecr

✂️ 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

 

instagram@capricollegedav

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

 

instagram@capricollegedubuque

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

 

instagram@capricollegewaterloo

✂️💛 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! ✨
O C T O B E R  S P E C I A L S 🍂🍄‍🟫
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.

our locations

Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids

2945 Williams Parkway S.W.

Cedar Rapids, IA. 52404

Admissions: 1.319.364.1541

Davenport

Davenport

2540 E. 53rd Street
Davenport, IA 52807

Admissions: 1.563.388.6642

Dubuque

Dubuque

395 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001

Admissions: 1.563.588.2379

Waterloo

Waterloo

2323 Crossroads Blvd.
Waterloo, IA 50702

Admissions: 1.319.234.2600