How Long Does Cosmetology School Take

If you’re dreaming of a career in the beauty industry, one of the first questions you probably have is: “How long does cosmetology school take?” It’s a crucial question—after all, understanding the timeline helps you plan your education, career goals, and life around this new journey.

At Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture, we know our students come from different backgrounds and have different needs. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling options designed to help you balance your education with your work, family, or other responsibilities. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how long our cosmetology program takes, what you can expect from your schedule, and what factors may influence your timeline.

Remember: while this guide is designed to help you make an informed decision, every student’s experience is unique, and completion times can vary depending on attendance, academic progress, and personal circumstances.

Why Does Cosmetology School Length Matter?

Before diving into Rudae’s class schedules, let’s talk about why the length of cosmetology school is so important:

• Career Planning: Knowing how long school will take helps you set realistic goals for when you can begin your career.
• Financial Planning: Understanding the timeline helps you budget for tuition, supplies, and living expenses during your time in school.
• Life Balance: Many students need to coordinate school with family or work responsibilities; knowing the time commitment is key.
• Motivation: Having a clear end date in sight can help you stay focused and motivated throughout your education.

How Many Hours Do You Need to Graduate Cosmetology School?

In Indiana, where Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture is located, you must complete 1,500 hours of training in a licensed cosmetology program to qualify for the state licensing exam. These 1,500 hours are designed to give you hands-on experience in hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, nail care, sanitation, salon management, and more.

Rudae’s Cosmetology Program Schedules

At Rudae’s, we recognize that every student has unique scheduling needs. That’s why we offer four cosmetology program schedule options—each designed to accommodate different availability and life circumstances. Let’s break them down:

40 Hours Per Week: Graduate in as little as 9 Months

• Schedule: Tuesday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm; Saturday 9:00am – 3:30pm
• Duration: Approximately 9 months (assuming consistent attendance and satisfactory progress)

This is the fastest way to complete the program for those who can commit to a full-time schedule. Students attend five days per week, typically totaling around 40 hours weekly. This accelerated track can be ideal if you’re eager to start your career as soon as possible and can dedicate your weekdays (plus Saturdays) entirely to school.

30 Hours Per Week (Day Program): Graduate in as little as 12 Months

• Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday 9:00am – 3:30pm
• Duration: Approximately 12 months

This program offers a more balanced pace for students who still want to complete their education within a year but prefer a shorter school day compared to the 40-hour option. The 30-hour schedule can be great for parents, part-time workers, or anyone who needs afternoons or evenings free.

20 Hours Per Week (Evening Program): Graduate in as little as 18 Months

• Schedule: Monday – Friday 5:30pm – 9:30pm
• Duration: Approximately 18 months

This option is designed for students who work full-time during the day or have other daytime commitments. By attending classes in the evenings, you can work towards your cosmetology career at a steady pace while maintaining your current obligations. It’s a longer journey, but the flexibility can often make it worthwhile.

30 Hours Per Week (Night Program): Graduate in as little as 12 Months

• Schedule: Monday – Friday 3:00pm – 9:30pm
• Duration: Approximately 12 months

This evening-focused option is perfect for students who need daytime hours for work or family but prefer an accelerated timeline compared to the 20-hour schedule. It’s an excellent compromise if you want the speed of a 30-hour program but can only attend in the late afternoon and evenings.

Choosing the Right Schedule for You

When considering these options, think about your current commitments, lifestyle, and goals:

• Do you need to continue working full-time while in school?
• Do you have childcare or family responsibilities during the day?
• Are you eager to finish as quickly as possible?
• Can you handle the intensity of a 40-hour schedule, or would a part-time option suit you better?

There’s no right or wrong choice—only what works best for you. At Rudae’s, our admissions team is here to help you weigh these options and choose the schedule that aligns with your personal circumstances.

Factors That Can Affect Your Timeline

While the schedules above are designed to give you a clear idea of the expected program length, it’s important to remember that several factors can impact your actual completion time:

• Attendance: Maintaining consistent attendance is key to completing on schedule. Missing classes or falling behind can extend your graduation date.
• Academic Progress: Each student must meet required competencies before moving on. Some students may need additional time to master certain techniques.
• State Requirements: State regulations require a certain number of practical hours in specific subject areas; ensuring all requirements are met may affect program length.
• Leave of Absence: Life happens—illness, family emergencies, or other unforeseen events may necessitate a temporary break from school, which could extend your timeline.

What Can You Learn During Your Hours?

No matter which schedule you choose, your 1,500 hours at Rudae’s are carefully designed to prepare you for a career in cosmetology. Here’s what you can expect to cover:

• Haircutting, styling, and coloring techniques
• Chemical texturizing, perms, and straightening
• Skin care basics, including facials and waxing
• Nail care, including manicures and pedicures
• Sanitation and safety protocols
• Client communication and consultation skills
• Salon business fundamentals

This curriculum helps prepare you not just for the Indiana state licensing exam, but also for a career in the industry.

Why Choose Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture?

Beyond flexible scheduling, Rudae’s is proud to offer:

• Experienced instructors who are passionate about teaching
• *Hands-on training in a real salon environment
• A supportive, inclusive learning atmosphere
• Opportunities to work with real clients
• Career guidance to help you launch your future

Our programs are designed not just to help you pass the state exam, but also to build the confidence and skills you’ll need to thrive in the beauty industry.

*All services provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetology School Length

How many hours are required to complete the cosmetology program in Indiana?
1,500 hours are required by the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology to sit for the licensing exam.

Can I switch schedules once I start?
Depending on availability and your academic standing, schedule changes may be possible. Our team can guide you through this process if your circumstances change.

Does transferring from another school affect how long it will take?
In some cases, previous hours from another accredited school can transfer, potentially shortening your time at Rudae’s. Our admissions staff can review your transcripts and let you know what may transfer.

Is there a deadline to complete the program?
State regulations and school policies set maximum timeframes for program completion. It’s important to maintain consistent progress toward graduation.

What happens if I miss a class?
You will need to make up any missed hours to fulfill the 1,500-hour requirement. Our staff can help you create a plan to stay on track.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you want to fast-track your education with a 40-hour per week schedule or balance school with work in a 20-hour evening program, Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture has an option designed for you. Our team is here to help you find the schedule that best fits your needs so you can start building your future in the beauty industry.

Remember, timelines can vary based on individual progress, attendance, and other factors, so while these schedules give a clear estimate, we can’t promise a specific graduation date. However, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way toward your goals.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Dream Career

Choosing to pursue a cosmetology education is a big decision, but knowing exactly how long it could take makes it easier to plan and take control of your future. At Rudae’s, we believe in empowering our students with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional skills they need to succeed.

Are you ready to begin your journey? Contact our admissions team today or schedule a tour to learn more about our flexible scheduling options and start your application process.

Your beauty career could be just months away—take the first step today with Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture!