Programs Offered

Barbering / Cosmetology / Esthetics / Nail Technology

Recent Reviews

10/1/2025 via Google
10/1/2025
via Google

Josie Golik did my hair and I am absolutely in love with it. I had such a good experience in a welcoming environment. Josie made sure I knew what she was doing with my hair every step of the way. I felt very comfortable the entire time! 10/10 recommend asking for her to be your stylist! :)

Read More
9/30/2025 via Google
9/30/2025
via Google

Viví was able to give me exactly what I asked for. I showed her a picture of a balayage I wanted and she listened, asked lots of questions, taught me a few things and delivered! The instructor was very nice and helpful too. Great experience and I”ll be asking for Vivi when it’s time for touch ups! Thank you!🙏🏻

Read More
9/8/2025 via Google
9/8/2025
via Google

I recently had my very first facial at Bella’s Academy with Joanna Gardner, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. Joanna was warm, professional, and explained each step of the process, which made me feel comfortable right away. The treatment itself was so relaxing from the gentle cleansing to the exfoliation and mask I could literally feel the stress melting away. By the end, my skin felt refreshed, smoother, and had a healthy glow I’ve never seen before. Joanna truly has a gift, not just in technique but in making you feel cared for. I’ll definitely be coming back, and I highly recommend her to anyone curious about facials or looking to treat themselves to some real self-care. Five stars all the way!!!!

Read More

In the School's Words

Bellus Academy is an award-winning beauty and wellness institution dedicated to graduating career-ready professionals. We specialize in advanced training and have built a reputation for innovative education, consistently nabbing top honors in Modern Salon's national Excellence in Education program. As the most awarded beauty school in the world, Bellus Academy has been named the "best beauty school in the nation" two years in a row by Modern Salon and was most recently awarded the number one beauty school in North America by Intercoiffure.

Financial Aid

We offer financial aid to those who qualify. We also have ongoing scholarships for recent high school graduates and military.

Our Poway Campus

Located in the heart of San Diego County, our award-winning Poway location underwent a $2.5 million renovation in 2009, expanding the facility to 20,000 square feet and adding equipment that you’ll find only in high-end spas.

Programs

Bellus Academy - Poway offers the following programs:

Barbering / Cosmetology / Esthetics / Nail Technology

Master Esthetics

Program Length 900 hours
Average Completion 8 months
Program Tuition $14,512

Our Esthetics curriculum covers a variety of skin care techniques ranging from facials, chemical exfoliation, hair removal, microdermabrasion and more. We offer advanced programs that will allow you to wow employers in luxury and medical spas. Bellus Academy is proud to be selected as the first U.S. School to partner with CIDESCO, recognized as the world’s most prestigious qualification in the field of Esthetics, to offer a specialized certification in Skin Care.

Esthetics

Program Length 600 hours
Average Completion 5 months
Program Tuition $10,324

Our Esthetics curriculum covers a variety of skin care techniques ranging from facials, chemical exfoliation, hair removal, microdermabrasion and more. We offer advanced programs that will allow you to wow employers in luxury and medical spas. Bellus Academy is proud to be selected as the first U.S. School to partner with CIDESCO, recognized as the world’s most prestigious qualification in the field of Esthetics, to offer a specialized certification in Skin Care.

Cosmetology

Program Length 1,600 hours
Average Completion 12 months
Program Tuition $23,759

Our Cosmetology program includes professional training in all aspects of the beauty industry. The program includes an iPad, where much of the curriculum is taught in conjunction with a social learning experience. Our salon floor gives students the experience needed to develop their craft and work with clients. We also offer advanced Cosmetology programs.

Nail Technology

Program Length 600 hours
Average Completion 5 months
Program Tuition $9,113

Our Spa Nail program is the first in the nation to go beyond the basics of manicuring, adding the spa treatment training demanded by luxury salons and spas.

Barbering

Program Length 1,800 hours
Average Completion 13 months
Program Tuition $26,571

Bellus Academy’s carefully curated barbering program offers a multidimensional education that highlights the various aspects within a growing profession. Our accomplished educators and industry experts use the Bellus proprietary system to teach men’s grooming trends, shaving, and haircutting through visual, verbal, written, and hands-on instruction.

Barbering

Program Length 1,500 hours
Average Completion 11 months
Program Tuition $22,137

Bellus Academy’s carefully curated barbering program offers a multidimensional education that highlights the various aspects within a growing profession. Our accomplished educators and industry experts use the Bellus proprietary system to teach men’s grooming trends, shaving, and haircutting through visual, verbal, written, and hands-on instruction.

Barber/Cosmetology

Program Length N/A
Average Completion N/A
Program Tuition N/A

Our Barber/Cosmetology program leads to dual licensure for students and is designed to give our graduates a competitive edge, as we teach the business-side of the industry including retailing, sales techniques and budgeting. Our curriculum includes technical training along with state board prep.

About This School

Accreditation or State Approval

National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS)

One or more programs offered at this school is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accredited programs qualify graduates for applicable state licensing. In addition, accredited schools typically can offer more financial aid options, including federal financial aid. Learn more about accreditation and approval.

Financial Aid

48% of students received financial aid

On average, students received $5145 in financial aid.

Student Body

Gender Ratio

94% Female, 6% Male

Race / Ethnicity Ratio

34% White, 38% Hispanic / Latino, 5% African American, 7% Asian American, 2% American Indian, 1% Hawaiian / Pacific, 12% Two or More, 1% Unknown

422 students are enrolled in this school

Contact This School

Get In Touch

Need Help Paying for School?

Apply for the Beauty Schools Directory $2,500 scholarship to help pay for your education!

Data Integrity

This information about the school and its programs is reported based on publicly available sources. Though we make periodic updates to our database, program information can change quickly, so always verify directly with the school. In between our periodic updates, we make ad hoc updates when requested as our editorial resources allow.

Page last updated: 01/24/2025

Select a beauty program and state to view schools