Cosmetology schools in Providence and nearby Rhode Island cities offer adult training in hair, skin and nail services. You can compare four local programs below, including published costs, day and evening schedules, and the steps toward a Rhode Island license.
Rhode Island training minimum1,000 hours for hairdresser/cosmetician licensure
Next published day startPaul Mitchell: November 2, 2026
A longer school curriculumCOLLECTIV: 1,200 hours; 38 or 53 weeks
Written licensing examCosmetologist Theory through PSI
Adult cosmetology programs around Providence
The check line under each school links to its Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner directory entry, checked October 27, 2026. Massachusetts schools are not listed on this page.
Catalog lists November 16 and December 7, 2026 starts, subject to campus availability. Its approval section names the Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education and OPC. Request an itemized quote to reconcile prices.
Day starts include November 2 and December 28, 2026. Catalog names RIOPC under "The following institutions license and regulate our institution:". Ask when your chosen schedule begins after CORE.
CORE: Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; after CORE, Monday-Thursday: full time, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (28 hours/week); part time, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or 5-10 p.m. (20 hours/week)
$15,500 tuition; $18,474.56 total costs (program page, effective October 1, 2026)
2026 catalog lists November 2 and December 7 starts. It states: "COLLECTIV Academy is approved and regulated by the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner".
CORE: Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; after CORE, Monday-Thursday: full time, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (28 hours/week); part time, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or 5-10 p.m. (20 hours/week)
Published cost
$15,500 tuition; $18,474.56 total costs (program page, effective October 1, 2026)
Address
30 Chapel View Blvd., Suite 100, Cranston, RI 02920
Compare your commute with the full weekly timetable. Paul Mitchell's schedule starts new students in daytime CORE before later schedule choices.
2
Check entry documents early
Review school admission requirements before paying fees. Rhode Island's license application asks for a high school diploma or GED and identity documents.
3
Finish the required training
Rhode Island's hairdresser/cosmetician statute sets a minimum of 1,000 hours. Your school's graduation requirements may require more training.
4
Prepare for both exams
The state rule requires written and practical examinations, with a 70% minimum passing score for each. RIDOH directs written Cosmetologist Theory testing to PSI.
5
Send your license application
Follow the RIDOH checklist, including the school transcript sent directly to the Board. Ask the school how it documents your hours and practical examination.
Providence-area cosmetology employment and wages
BLS reported 2,120 hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists (SOC 39-5012) in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area in May 2025. Median pay was $15.00 an hour and $31,200 a year. These are the latest figures in the BLS metro query, identified as May 2025 on the OEWS tables page.
The figures describe regional employment and wages, not graduate starting salaries or job openings. BLS explains that this survey excludes self-employed workers and includes tips and commissions in wages. When you compare salon positions, ask about scheduled hours, commission terms, benefits and the cost of tools.
Published cosmetology tuition and ways to pay
Published tuition is $15,000 at Empire, $15,500 at Paul Mitchell, $16,128 at COLLECTIV and $16,850 at Rob Roy. These are 2026 publications; supplies, fees and taxes can add to tuition. Empire's campus page and catalog show different totals, so request a dated cost sheet.
The calendar depends on your school and weekly attendance. COLLECTIV's 2026 Cranston catalog lists 1,200 hours over 38 weeks full time or 53 weeks half day. Paul Mitchell's program lists 1,000 hours. Request your expected completion date, holiday calendar and missed-hour policy before planning work or child care.
Can I attend cosmetology school at night?
Paul Mitchell's Cranston catalog lists a Monday-Thursday evening option from 5 to 10 p.m. after CORE. New students first attend CORE from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Ask how long that initial daytime phase lasts and which evening start has space before arranging your work schedule.
Does finishing beauty school give me a Rhode Island license?
You still need to complete the licensing process. RIDOH's application requires an official school transcript and supporting documents, and tells examination applicants to schedule the NIC written exam through PSI after completing their required hours. Ask the school to explain its practical exam process and how your records reach the Board.
Why do published cosmetology prices differ?
Tuition and total charges measure different things. Empire's October 2026 catalog lists tuition, registration and supplies separately, with supplies sales tax excluded from its total. The Providence campus page gives another total that includes taxes. Ask for one written price tied to your start date, plus exam and license charges.