Iowa School of Beauty (Des Moines)
General Information
Overview
Iowa School of Beauty (ISB) in Des Moines is a private vocational/trade-school specializing in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, massage therapy and related beauty-industry fields. The institution aims to provide practical, career-ready training that equips students with the technical skills, licensure preparation, and hands-on experience needed to enter the beauty and wellness industry immediately upon graduation. Its programs emphasize both theory (such as sanitation, anatomy, state regulations) and practical application (hair styling, skin care, nail services, massage techniques), often including simulated salon or spa environments and supervised student clinic services where learners practice on real clients under instructor guidance. The school appeals especially to individuals seeking focused, relatively short-term vocational training rather than traditional multi-year college degrees, making it a suitable option for those looking for a quick path to licensure and employment in cosmetology, esthetics or bodywork.
Despite its modest size, ISB has built a reputation for personal attention, small class sizes, and a supportive atmosphere, which many students note fosters community among peers and instructors. The curriculum is structured to meet state licensing requirements, combining sufficient instructional hours with comprehensive training in both technical skills and business/client-service fundamentals, enabling graduates to work in salons, spas, clinics, or start their own businesses.
Contact Information
Address: 3305 70th Street (Urbandale / Des Moines), Iowa 50322, USA
Phone Number: (515) 278-9939 (main campus contact for Des Moines)
Fax: (515) 318-5013
Email Address: Use admissions office phone contact to request email communication
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution Name | Iowa School of Beauty – Des Moines |
| Institution Type | Private vocational / trade school (cosmetology & beauty training) |
| Founded | 1923 (as principal institution) |
| Campus Location | Urbandale / Des Moines area, Iowa |
| Programs Offered | Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy and related beauty/skin care certificates |
| Accreditation / Licensing Alignment | Programs designed to meet State of Iowa licensing requirements for cosmetology/beauty professionals |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 7:1 (based on 2023-2024 data) |
| Typical Student Body Size | ~ 74 full-time students (2023-2024) |
Iowa School of Beauty (Des Moines) Rankings
| Ranking Type | Standing / Note |
|---|---|
| National (USA) | As a private vocational beauty school, ISB is not typically ranked in major national university lists; its value is measured by program completion and licensure outcomes rather than academic rankings. |
| Global Rankings | Not applicable — ISB’s focus is vocational training rather than research or international academic standing. |
Iowa School of Beauty (Des Moines) Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Cosmetology / Hair, Nails, Skin & Makeup
- Esthetics / Skin Care & Treatments
- Nail Technology / Manicure & Pedicure / Nail Art
- Massage Therapy / Bodywork & Therapeutic Massage
- Student Clinic / Guest Services (Practical Salon-Spa Training)
- Business & Salon Management Fundamentals (client service, hygiene, licensing law, sanitation)
Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Cosmetology (full 1,550-hour program covering hair, skin, nails, chemicals, salon/business training)
- Esthetics / Skin Care Specialist (600-hour program focused on skin care, facials, makeup, waxing, advanced skin treatment techniques)
- Nail Technology (manicure/pedicure, nail care, artificial nails, nail art)
- Massage Therapy / Therapeutic Massage (bodywork, relaxation, therapeutic massage techniques)
- Continuing education and licensure-preparation courses for professionals in beauty and wellness industry
Online Learning
Iowa School of Beauty (Des Moines) does not offer online degree or certificate programs; its training is hands-on and requires in-person attendance for practical lab work, supervised salon/spa services, and clinical hours. All students enroll in on-campus classes to complete required hours.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Requirement / Note |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not applicable / not required for admission to ISB vocational programs |
| ACT | Not required |
| GRE | Not applicable (no graduate-level academic degrees offered) |
| High School GPA / Academic Record | Vocational admission — emphasis on interest and suitability rather than standard academic thresholds; no rigid GPA requirement publicly specified |
Retention and Graduation Rates
According to the most recent available data for 2023-2024, Iowa School of Beauty has a graduation rate of 80%, indicating that a majority of enrolled students complete their program. The retention rate (students continuing from start to completion) is lower, recorded at 24%, reflecting challenges that may affect completion for some students. Student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 7:1, suggesting a learning environment with relatively individualized attention.
Iowa School of Beauty (Des Moines) Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to Iowa School of Beauty does not depend on standardized test scores or a mandated minimum GPA. The school’s admissions philosophy centers on vocational interest in cosmetology, esthetics, or massage therapy rather than academic performance indicators. Applicants typically need to demonstrate readiness and commitment to complete the program, but no standard academic scores are required.
Iowa School of Beauty Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | The school operates under an open vocational admissions model; qualifying individuals who submit required documentation and meet program prerequisites are generally admitted. Precise acceptance rate is not publicly listed, but the small, specialized student body and open-admissions format imply that most applicants who meet entrance requirements are accepted. |
Iowa School of Beauty Application Requirements
To apply for a program at ISB (Des Moines), prospective students must submit an admissions application and provide proof of high school completion or equivalent. Applicants may be required to complete an interview or admissions counseling session to ensure understanding of program demands, schedule, and licensing requirements. For certain programs (e.g. massage therapy or esthetics), prerequisites around age and health may apply. The school also requires commitment to full-time attendance for course duration. Financial aid or payment plan options are available to help manage tuition, equipment, and program costs. The admissions process is intentionally accessible to individuals seeking vocational training, career changes, or skill certification rather than traditional academic degrees.
Application Process
- Complete and submit the official admissions application for the chosen program
- Provide proof of high school diploma or GED (or equivalent)
- Attend an admissions interview or orientation session if required
- Choose program track (Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, etc.)
- Review and agree to payment plan or financing / financial aid options if applicable
- Begin classes according to the start date schedule
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Note | Detail |
|---|---|
| Admissions | Rolling admissions throughout the year — prospective students may apply at any time and begin when the next class starts, subject to seat availability and licensing-hour scheduling requirements. |
Essay Prompt
Iowa School of Beauty does not require a personal essay or writing prompt as part of its admissions process. The focus is on vocational interest, readiness for hands-on training, and commitment to complete the required practical hours.
Iowa School of Beauty Scholarships
ISB may offer financial aid or payment plan options to assist students with tuition, equipment kit, and other program costs. Aid can include grants or financial assistance where eligible. Given the vocational nature of the institution, many students rely on aid, flexible payment schedules, or self-financing to cover program expenses rather than traditional scholarship programs tied to academic merit.
Iowa School of Beauty Tuition Fees (Costs)
| Program / Cost Component | Amount / Note |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology Program (full 1,550-hour) | Tuition: $21,250; Equipment & Textbooks: $2,528; Application Fee: $100; Total Estimated Cost: $23,878 (includes all required kit and materials) |
| Payment Plan Option | First month: $3,000; Second month: $2,778; Next 8 months: $2,250/month (for full-time program) |
| Additional Costs | Supplies replacement if lost or damaged; Uniform costs; Examination and state licensing fees; Transportation to testing center |
Estimated costs may vary depending on supply needs, repeated coursework (if schedule extended beyond 53 weeks), and other individual circumstances.
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Iowa School of Beauty’s 2023-2024 student body comprises 74 full-time undergraduates, with a highly skewed gender distribution: 2 male students (about 2.7%) and 72 female students (about 97.3%). This reflects a strong female majority, which is common in cosmetology and beauty-industry training programs. The racial/ethnic breakdown shows 53 White students (~71.6%), 9 Hispanic/Latino (~12.2%), 7 Black or African American (~9.5%), 2 Asian (~2.7%), 2 Native American / American Indian (~2.7%), and 1 student identifying as two or more races. The age distribution is fairly broad: many students are under 25, while a significant portion are 25 or older, indicating mix of recent high school graduates and adult learners or career-changers.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
There is limited publicly available data specific to low-income or disability status at ISB Des Moines. However, as a vocational school offering payment plans and financial aid options, the institution appears structured to support students who may require financial assistance or flexibility. Students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities may find the program’s small size, flexible financing, and career-focused training amenable to their circumstances. Information about disability accommodations or services is not prominently reported in publicly accessible data.
Student Body Snapshot
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students (2023-2024) | 74 (all full-time undergraduate) |
| Male Students | 2 |
| Female Students | 72 |
| Racial/Ethnic Distribution | 53 White, 9 Hispanic/Latino, 7 Black/African American, 2 Asian, 2 Native American, 1 Two or More Races |
| Part-time Students | 0 (no part-time enrollment for 2023-2024) |
| Online Learners | 0 (all instruction is on-campus) |
University Diversity
Iowa School of Beauty’s student community reflects a modest but meaningful degree of racial and ethnic diversity, with representation from White, Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian, Native American, and multiracial backgrounds. The presence of adult learners alongside younger students also adds age and life-experience diversity. This diversity fosters a learning environment where students bring varied perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and motivations to their training, beneficial in a beauty and service industry that serves a broad clientele. The school’s small size and intimate student-to-faculty ratio likely facilitate close-knit peer interaction and supportive mentoring across diverse backgrounds. This inclusive atmosphere is valuable in preparing students to work in diverse salons or spas and to serve clients from many walks of life.
Average Earnings
While comprehensive long-term earnings data specific to ISB graduates is limited, publicly available information suggests modest income potential typical for beauty-industry entry-level work. As a vocational school focusing on cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, and related services, many graduates begin work in salons, spas, clinics, or as licensed nail/skin care professionals, often on hourly or commission-based pay. Success and income growth depend highly on individual skill, client base, work ethic, and local demand. For many, initial earnings may be modest, but with experience, repeat clientele, and additional certifications or specialization, there is potential for stable income, self-employment opportunities (e.g. owning a salon or independent contractor work), and incremental career growth.
Iowa School of Beauty (Des Moines) Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Iowa School of Beauty maintains a modest but focused instructional staff, with a student-to-faculty ratio of about 7:1, indicating relatively small class sizes and opportunities for personalized attention. Based on recent data, the school has around 7 full-time instructional faculty, supported by administrative and support staff responsible for student services, admissions, scheduling, salon/spa clinic supervision, and facility maintenance. This staffing level allows for close instructor oversight, practical guidance during hands-on training, and personalized mentorship as students progress through technical courses in cosmetology, esthetics, and massage therapy.
Faculty Profiles
Instructors at ISB typically bring practical, industry-relevant experience in cosmetology, skincare, nails, massage therapy, and salon/spa operations. Their backgrounds often include professional licensure, years of work in real-world salon and spa environments, and familiarity with Iowa state licensing regulations and client service dynamics. This expertise enables instructors to deliver not just theoretical knowledge but realistic training in sanitation, safety, customer interaction, technical skills, and business fundamentals such as salon management and client retention. Through hands-on supervision, student clinics, and vocational mentoring, faculty support learners in developing confidence, skill proficiency, and readiness for licensing exams and career entry.
Iowa School of Beauty (Des Moines) Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Iowa School of Beauty is a vocational training institution with no residential dormitory facilities. Most students commute from local or nearby communities. Campus life centers around scheduled classes, supervised salon/spa clinics where students provide services to clients for training, practical lab work, and industry-standard skill development. Because the school is small and specialized, social life tends to revolve around shared vocational interests, peer learning, and professional growth rather than traditional campus extracurricular or residential life. Students often balance their studies with outside commitments such as work or family. The small community and close instructor-student interaction can foster a supportive, close-knit environment beneficial for skill development and networking within the beauty industry.
Transportation
The school is located at 3305 70th Street (Urbandale / Des Moines area), accessible via local roads. As a commuter-based school, many students rely on personal vehicles, rideshares, or public transportation if available, to reach campus. Given that all instruction and training is in-person and there is no on-campus housing, students must plan for regular commuting. For those with limited availability, balancing class hours with work or personal obligations may require careful scheduling. The vocational nature of the school and typically daytime class schedules make commuting manageable for many students living in the metropolitan area or surrounding suburbs.