Program Tips

Registration Requirements

Students must apply and be accepted to the Cosmetology Technical Diploma prior to registering for classes. Registration is restricted to program students to assure each student has a place in each class. A mandatory Cosmetology Informational Session will be conducted during the Advisement/Registration time before the start of the program. During the registration period, students must register for ALL courses within the semester. Students will be notified of their advisement/registration time.

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing academic plans based on their degree evaluations. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students’ potential and ensuring success based on the student’s previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons. (Student Services & Support).

State Exam Eligibility

Students who complete this program will receive and technical diploma from Chippewa Valley Technical College, which qualifies them to apply for the State Board Cosmetology Exam. Upon completion of the program and passing the exam, you will receive your Cosmetology licensure. You must be 18 years of age or older to be allowed to take the state exam.

Attendance Requirement

To obtain a state license, you must complete 1550 instructional hours and graduate from the program. Salon service hours will be scheduled to accommodate evening and Saturday hours. More detailed attendance requirements will be explained during the first week of classes.

General Education Course Options

Students have the option of taking either 801-356 Applied Job/Interpersonal Communication (1 credit, technical diploma level course) OR 801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication (3 credit, associate degree level course). Students who have previous English credit or plan to pursue an associate or bachelor's degree should speak with their advisor regarding substitution options.

Program Supplies and Technology Requirements

In lieu of physical textbooks, students will receive an iPad to host the digital curriculum. Students cannot use their own personal iPads. The technology and uniform kits' costs are embedded in a program course. Students will receive the technology and uniform kit within the first week of courses. Additionally, students are required to purchase a cosmetology kit, shears, and an access card that allows students to use the digital curriculum via their iPad. These items are to be ordered at least two weeks before the semester starts, and to have them delivered to the Business Campus library. There will be a mandatory meeting that you will be informed of that happens two weeks before the start of the semester. During the Mandatory meeting, you will pick up your kit from the library as a class and go through it together. 

Additional Costs

These costs are approximate. Some of these costs are built into the courses' fees and are eligible for financial aid.

Costs Embedded into 502-320 Nail Technology
$643 - Technology & Uniform Kit

• Apple iPad 32 GB, Wi-Fi
• Logitech Crayon
• Apple Care – 2 Year
• STM Dux Case
• Smock
• Logitech Keys-to-Go

Additional Costs (estimate cost - doesn't include taxes) (available in bookstore)**
$1147 - Cosmetology Kit/Supplies
$248 - Shears
$516 - Milady Access Card (in lieu of books)
$50   - General Education Materials
Total - $1961

** August and January Start Students: must purchase the Cosmetology Kit, Shears, and Milandy Access Card before the first semester of the program

Lockers

Students may choose to rent a locker to hold their supplies that don't fit their secured cart (provided by the program). To rent a locker, a nonrefundable, nontransferable $5 fee must be paid to the Student Life office. This entitles sole use of the locker through the second Friday in May. Locker availability may be limited due to maintenance during the months of May, June, and July. Contact Student Life for more information: 715-833-6267 or studentlife@cvtc.edu.

Library & Academic Support

The one-stop spot for academic help! Free academic help, including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, research guidance, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available in Commons.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student’s program to be eligible, although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.

Title IX Pregnancy and Related Conditions

CVTC does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Related conditions include, but are not limited to, childbirth, breastfeeding/pumping, miscarriage, abortion, false pregnancy, and recovery from these or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to ensure equal access to the CVTC’s educational program and activity. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to discuss appropriate and available modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request pregnancy-related modifications as promptly as possible.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Last Updated: February 11, 2026 @ 3:55 p.m.