Altoona Beauty School
Altoona Beauty School General Information
Overview
Altoona Beauty School is a dedicated career training institution located in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The school emphasizes hands-on education in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, electrology, makeup artistry and instructor training. Students are immersed in a practical learning environment featuring live-client clinics, modern equipment and a well-equipped campus to develop technical skills, creative artistry and salon readiness. From its long history (founded in the mid-20th century) the institution has trained thousands of beauty professionals who go on to positions in salons, spas, self-employment or teaching.
The school supports adult learners and career changers as well as younger entrants, with flexible scheduling (day and evening options) and a focus on workforce entry rather than traditional academic pathways. With a compact, career-centered campus, students benefit from individualized attention, direct mentorship and targeted training aligned with state licensing.
Contact Informations
Address: 1528 Valley View Blvd., Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
Phone Number: (814) 942-3141
Email Address: admissions@altoonabeautyschool.com (or appropriate admissions contact; prospective students are encouraged to contact the school directly)
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1956 (established August 1956) altoonabeautyschool.com |
| Institution Type | Private, for-profit career college/cosmetology school |
| Campus Setting | Urban setting in Altoona, Pennsylvania bigfuture.collegeboard.org |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) altoonabeautyschool.com |
| License Authorizer | Licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs altoonabeautyschool.com |
| Programs Offered | Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Electrology, Teacher Training |
Altoona Beauty School Rankings
| Category | Rank / Position |
|---|---|
| Specialized Beauty Schools | Recognized in career & technical school listings |
| Regional Career Training | Known within Pennsylvania as a long-standing cosmetology school |
| National/Global Rankings | Not broadly ranked (certificate/career focus) |
Altoona Beauty School Academics
Alumni Faculties / Departments
- Cosmetology Department
- Esthetics & Skin Care Department
- Nail Technology Department
- Electrology Department
- Teacher Training / Instructor Cadet Department
- Student Services & Career Placement Department
Courses and Programs / Majors
- Cosmetology Program (1,250 hours) altoonabeautyschool.com+1
- Esthetics Program (450 hours) altoonabeautyschool.com+1
- Nail Technician Program (300 hours) altoonabeautyschool.com+1
- Electrology Program (125 or 126 hours – diploma, no state licensure) altoonabeautyschool.com
- Teacher Training Program (600 hours) altoonabeautyschool.com+1
- Continued Education / Refresher Courses (hours may vary) altoonaschool.edu+1
Online Learning
Given the nature of hands-on salon and clinic training, Altoona Beauty School offers primarily in-person education. Theoretical content may be supported with digital resources, but core clinical hours, live-client practice and equipment labs require physical presence, making full online completion impractical.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Range / Data |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not required / not published |
| ACT | Not required / not published |
| Licensing Exams | Graduates are prepared for Pennsylvania state board exams in cosmetology, esthetics and nail technology; school reports preparation of students for licensure but full pass-rate data is limited. |
Retention and Graduation Rates
While exact current rates are not widely published, the school’s accreditation documentation emphasizes student progress requirements (such as maintaining a 70% minimum GPA/attendance) and supports job placement. altoonabeautyschool.com Given the small cohort size (under 100 students full-time reported) and the focused certificate programs, retention and graduation reflect vocational outcomes rather than multi-year degrees.
Altoona Beauty School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to Altoona Beauty School typically does not require a minimum GPA or the SAT/ACT. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED. altoonabeautyschool.com+1
Altoona Beauty School Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 100% for eligible applicants Niche+1 |
Application Requirements
Prospective students must submit a completed application, pay a non-refundable application fee, provide proof of high school graduation or GED, attend an orientation or school tour, and enroll in a day or evening schedule. The admissions team reviews transcripts (foreign diplomas must be translated), ensures readiness for the training schedule and visa/aid eligibility if applicable. altoonabeautyschool.com
Application Process
- Submit application and application fee
- Provide official high school or GED documentation
- Attend orientation/information session
- Select program (cosmetology, esthetics, nail, etc.)
- Register for classes and schedule sessions (day or evening)
Altoona Beauty School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rolling Admissions | Applications accepted throughout year altoonabeautyschool.com |
| Program Start Dates | Multiple start dates for each program |
Essay Prompt
An essay is not typically required. However, students may be asked to submit a brief statement of interest in the beauty industry or career goals during admissions counseling.
Altoona Beauty School Scholarships
The school offers financial aid via Title IV programs (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), veteran benefits, state vocational rehabilitation and institutional scholarships. Applicants are encouraged to meet with financial aid staff to review eligibility. altoonabeautyschool.com
Altoona Beauty School Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Net Price After Aid (average) | Approx. US$11,358/year Niche |
| Cosmetic Technician Certificate Programs | Tuition varies by program; earlier catalog lists tuition details within their 2019-12 info. altoonabeautyschool.com |
Altoona Beauty School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
According to available data, the student population is predominantly female (approximately 97%) and male (approx. 3%) at one reporting period. ~40% of students are over age 25. Niche Racial/ethnic data is less detailed publicly, but the school serves a regional population with diverse backgrounds.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant portion of students receive financial aid (about 71% according to one data snapshot) indicating access for lower-income learners. Niche The institution accommodates students with disabilities via accessible facilities (ramps, parking, etc.) as noted in the catalog. altoonabeautyschool.com
Student Body
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Undergraduate Students | Approximately 80 (full-time ~54, part-time ~26) Niche |
| Full-Time Students | ~54 |
| Part-Time Students | ~26 |
University Diversity
Altoona Beauty School fosters a diverse vocational environment where students of varying ages, backgrounds and life stages converge to pursue careers in beauty and wellness. The mix of younger students fresh from secondary education and adult learners seeking career transitions enriches the classroom dynamic. Students collaborate and network across gender, cultural and socioeconomic lines, and the hands-on salon clinic environment exposes learners to clients of many backgrounds—fostering practical cultural competency and client service acumen. The institution’s mission of accessible career training supports inclusion of non-traditional learners, veterans and financially disadvantaged individuals, helping broaden representation in the beauty industry regionally.
Average Earnings
Median earnings data is not widely publicized by the institution, but given the vocational nature of the programs, graduates often begin entry-level positions in salons, spas or nail studios. Career progression can lead to self-employment, platform artistry or instructor roles. The ROI for graduates depends heavily on local market, clientele, hours worked, tipping, commissions and subsequent specialization.
Altoona Beauty School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Instructors at Altoona Beauty School are licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology and many have active salon or spa experience. The administrative and student services staff manage admissions, financial aid, student support and career placement assistance. The ratio of student to faculty is modest given the small size of the school, enabling more personalized instruction.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty bring practical industry experience in hair design, color theory, esthetics, nail technology and instructor training. They attend continuing education seminars to remain current with trends. The school catalog notes that staff stay abreast of evolving salon techniques, technology and business practices. altoonabeautyschool.com
Altoona Beauty School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The campus is a specialized facility rather than a residential college, and most students commute rather than live on campus. Student life centers around salon-clinic training, hands-on practice, professional development, student competitions and client services. There is no traditional dormitory housing provided. Extracurricular opportunities may include student salons serving public clients, professional guest speakers, and competitions as described in the catalog. altoonabeautyschool.com
Transportation
Located on Valley View Boulevard in Altoona, the school is accessible by car and local transit. Parking and accessible entrance ramps are available. Since the institution serves many part-time, commuting and adult learners, schedules include evening classes and flexible options to accommodate work and family responsibilities. altoonabeautyschool.com