PAC Student Media

By Monica Reuter
Pulse Staff Reporter

Palo Alto College is the only public college that offers a Cosmetology program in Bexar County at a third of the cost of private programs.

The Cosmetology Learning Studio opened its doors to the public on June 17, 2015. The state-of-the-art 3,800-square-foot facility is located on the second floor of San Jacinto Hall. It is equipped with 26 hair stations, 16 nail stations and an esthetics room.

The Cosmetology program at Palo Alto consists of three options: a 35-credit-hour Esthetician Specialty Certificate of Completion; a 45-credit-hour Cosmetology Operator Level 2 Certificate; or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

The Esthetician certificate helps students who want to become skin and facial specialists. The Cosmetology certificate prepares students to provide hair and nail care services. When acquiring the Associate of Applied Science degree, the credits are transferable, which helps students create a foundation for entrepreneurial development.

This program has approximately 45 students enrolled, both males and females. It takes five full-time semesters for students to receive their Cosmetology Operator Level 2 Certificate. Since the program had a soft start in March during Flex 2, about three students are half-way done with this certificate.

Lisa Navarro, program lead, said that the Cosmetology program at PAC offers a great opportunity with quality instruction at an affordable cost.

“The focus of this program is giving students the best skills possible to work at a salon,” she said.

The cost of tuition is 65 percent less than surrounding private Cosmetology programs in Bexar County. The cost at PAC is $5,600 total for the completion of the Cosmetology program compared to private Cosmetology schools in San Antonio at an average of $15,900. The program also offers the flexibility of morning and evening classes.

“We have really flexible schedules and hands-on experience,” said Katilyn Avila, a Palo Alto College Cosmetology freshman. “The best part is you get to practice on other students’ hair, like I just got my hair colored.”

Nancy Aburto, another freshman, said, “We can work at our pace and be on track with the program – we are like a big family.”

To find out more about this program, go by the Learning Studio and request to see Navarro. You may also make an appointment with her by calling (210) 486-3177.

Haircuts start at $8 and a basic manicure starts at $7. For the full salon price list, please visit their website at PAC Cosmetology Learning Studio.

The hours of operation for services is 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and appointments are based on availability. Cash is the only form of payment being accepted at this time. Call (210) 486-3177 to schedule an appointment.