Cosmetology Department
Announcements:
LAST VIRTUAL ORIENTATION ON APRIL 23RD AT 3:30PM!
If you would like the opportunity to attend the Fall 2026 cohort, you must participate in the Virtual Information Session in order to be added to the In-Person Orientation email list. More info in the "Enrollment Guide" below.
If you have already attended a Virtual Information Session, and have NOT received a confirmation email for the In-Person email list, please contact us IMMEDIATELY.
If you have any questions, email [email protected] or call the program office at 619-388-4926.
Welcome to the Department of Cosmetology
~~~ YOU BELONG HERE ~~~
Accreditation
All programs are approved by the
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
2420 Del Paseo Road Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 94244-2260
Message from Program Director
Dear Future Beauty Professionals
Welcome to the Cosmetology Department at San Diego City College,
We commit to providing you with every opportunity to succeed in all of our programs, which include esthetics, nail tech and cosmetology. Our instructional faculty are industry experts, highly educated and are always excited to share career experiences and foundational skills. Our goal is to prepare you for California's State Board of Cosmetology licensing examination and beyond. We are the only program in the state of California that can offer students the option of obtaining a certificate of achievement or an associate degree in cosmetology or esthetics. At City College Cosmetology, diversity and inclusion is important and we empower our students with the knowledge needed to perform services on any hair or skin type. Our comprehensive programing and use of the latest digital educational platforms ensure that our students are prepared and ready to meet the demands of this creative and exciting industry. Our long standing program will instill in each student a strong foundation and competitive edge. We believe these attributes will lead to the best opportunities that the beauty industry has to offer. Join us and begin your journey as beauty professional at City College School of Cosmetology.
Patricia Grooms-Jones, Department Chair & Program Director
Enrollment Guide
Thank you for your interest in our programs!
We strongly recommend beginning your enrollment process one to two semesters before the one you want to attend.
- All students must apply for Admission to the college and obtain a student identification number
- Declare your interest in Cosmetology as your major/course of study. Admission is restricted and requires a permission code (see step 6)
- Apply for FAFSA and PELL Grants. For questions, please contact the Financial Aid Department.
- Visit a Counselor
- Attend ONE of the three available Virtual Information Sessions to request an invitation to the in-person orientation.
- It is mandatory to attend In-Person Orientation to enroll into a program. Limited seating is available for all programs. Make sure to provide your name, as it appears on your student ID, as well as your ID number to be entered into the lottery.
If selected for your program’s session, you will receive a follow-up email with your next steps.
Please follow the enrollment steps. Make sure you attend the virtual orientation, and the in-person orientation to enter the permission code lottery for your chosen program.
View the "Virtual Information Session" section below for further details.
Virtual Information Sessions
Includes Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technician Cohorts
-
Dates: February 19th, March 18th, & April 23rd
-
Time: 3:30pm
-
Location: Zoom (Online)
-
Meeting ID: 598 938 3343
- Zoom Link: https://app.zoom.us/wc/5989383343/join?ref_from=launch&fromPWA=1&from=join
-
Find your local number: https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/u/kbYg3MNoZM
-
In-person orientation & permission code lottery attendance is by invite only. The date will be announced after all virtual sessions are completed.
Attendance of one of the above virtual information sessions, followed by our mandatory in-person orientation, is required to complete the enrollment process.
**Please only click on the zoom meeting link 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to avoid technical errors**
If you require further assistance, email us at [email protected], or call via our program office line 619-388-4926.
Programs
Programs Offered
| Cosmetology | 1000 Hours - 2 Semesters |
Fall Start Only |
Full Time: M-F 8:30am-3:30pm |
| Esthetics | 600 Hours - 1 Semester | Fall Start & Spring Start | Full Time: M-F 7:30am-5:15pm |
| Nail Technician | 400 Hours - 1 Semester | Fall Start & Spring Start | Full Time: M-F 8:30 am-2:30 pm |
| Barbering | Coming Fall 2027 | Coming Fall 2027 | Coming Fall 2027 |
| Part-Time Programs | Not Offered at this time | Not Offered at this time | Not Offered at this time |
The Esthetician program and Nail Technology programs are only offered at the start of the Fall and Spring semesters.
The Cosmetology program has (1) one cohort start every fall which will complete the program at the end of that academic year. (4) four successful 8-week sessions entitle the student to a certificate of achievement and proof of training document, which is necessary to petition the California State Board for the state licensing examination.
Tuition Cost
For cost breakdown, including books and supplies, please see specific programs page.
Cosmetology
6 units per session ➢ $46.00 per unit ➢ $276.00 per session ➢ 32 units required to complete the program ➢ 32 X $46.00 = $1,472.00
Esthetics
9 units per session ➢ $46.00 per unit ➢ $414.00 per session ➢ 18 units required to complete the program ➢ 18 X $46.00 = $828.00
Nail Technician
5.5 units per session ➢ $46.00 per unit ➢ $253.00 per session ➢ 11 units required to complete the program ➢ 11 X $46.00 = $506.00
~Out-of-state rate = $304.00 per unit~
Course Catalog Descriptions
Click here for course descriptions from Catalog
Program Learning Outcomes
Display competence in the subjects covered in the course and is evidenced by a minimum final examination score of 75 percent or greater
Degree Pathways
All prospective students interested in an associate's degree in either Cosmetology or Esthetics may be eligible to receive a guaranteed spot in the cohort of their choosing, if spots are available. You will need to have all of your general education units (60 hours) completed prior to the in-person orientation for the session you would like to attend to be eligible for saved spot. Click here for the Associates Degree requirements.
If you have completed your general education units at SDCCD, please meet with a counselor and have them evaluate your credits. If you meet the requirements, please have your counselor send [email protected] an email confirming that you only have your program courses left to receive your associates degree. We will then be able to save you a seat in the class.
Counseling Services:
Office in A-366
619-388-3540
https://www.sdcity.edu/students/counseling/meet-counselor.aspx
If you have taken your general education units at a different institution, you will need submit a transcript evaluation form first. Below you will find more information about this process as well as the district contact information for evaluations:
Transcript Evaluations:
Office A-366
619-388-3549
https://www.sdccd.edu/students/evaluations/transcript-evaluations.aspx
To Submit Transcript Evaluations:
https://www.sdccd.edu/students/forms-and-documents.aspx
Follow the link provided and use the form linked under "Request for Transcript Evaluations"
Once your transcripts have been evaluated, you can meet with a counselor to go over your education plan for Cosmetology. Let them know you need a confirmation email sent to us here ([email protected]) that states you meet the GEU requirements, and we will go ahead and secure your spot.
*** Please note, evaluations can take anywhere from 12-18 weeks to complete***
Student Laboratory Services
Student Laboratory Services are available to the general public. We use a cashless system for payment. All services are performed by students under the supervision of our state licensed faculty.
Services Schedule
Student Laboratory Services for the Spring 2026 semester.
Skincare: Wednesday - Friday | 9:00AM - 2:00PM | Starts 2/6/2026
Hair: Friday | 9:00AM - 1:00PM | Starts 2/13/2026
Nails: Wednesday - Friday | 9:00AM - 12:00PM | Starts 4/6/2026
Cashless Payments Only!
All Major Cards and Digital Payments Are Accepted
Please see our Student Laboratory Services Page for further details.
Resources
Financial Aid
Our Cosmetology, Esthetician, and Nail Technician Programs encourage all students to seek assistance from financial aid for eligibility requirements. All prospective students should apply for the current year's FASA; apply early. Students that are determined financially eligible for assistance could have the cost of tools, uniforms and books covered. Please see a financial aid counselor to see if you qualify.
Website: www.sdcity.edu/future-students/financialaid
Location: A-building , Rm. A-270
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-6:00pm & Friday 8:00am-1:00pm
Office Phone: (619) 388-3501
Email:[email protected]
Counseling Services
Office in A-366
619-388-3540
https://www.sdcity.edu/students/counseling/meet-counselor.aspx
City College Bookstore
D Building
619-388-3549
https://www.bookstore.sdccd.edu/city/
Transcript Evaluations:
Office A-366
619-388-3549
https://www.sdccd.edu/students/evaluations/transcript-evaluations.aspx
Admissions
619-388-3475
https://www.sdcity.edu/future-students/admissions/index.aspx
Tutoring Services
L-205
(619) 388-3685
https://www.sdcity.edu/academics/academic-resources/tutoring/index.aspx
International Student Admissions
A-241
(619) 388-3476
https://www.sdcity.edu/students/international/index.aspx
English Language Acquisition
Professor Jennifer Boots (Dept. Chair)
https://www.sdcity.edu/academics/schools-programs/arts-humanities-comms/english/elac/index.aspx
Basic Needs
T-341
619-388-3684
https://www.sdcity.edu/students/services/basic-needs/index.aspx
ALL PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS:
1. You must attend (1) one virtual information session; request a invitation to the in-person orientation - permission code lottery, date for orientation TBA. A student indentification number is necessary to register for the course.
2. Students that receive permission codes in the lottery need to register ASAP. Your registration is not complete until your student fees are completely funded. All unused permission codes will be reassigned to those who did not receive one in the permission code lottery.
3. There is no "Wait List" available.
4. There is (1) one cosmetology cohort per year entering in the fall and completing the program by the end of the spring session.
5. Esthetics and Nail Technology will have (2) two cohorts per year (1) one in the fall & (1) one in the spring.
6. Students seeking guaranteed admission need to complete all general education courses and apply to obtain an associates degree in Cosmetology or Esthetics with their counselor. Contact us for more information about our degree programs.
Contact Us
Outreach
San Diego City College School Tours & Orientations
Contact the College Outreach Program for more information
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 619-388-3496
Department of Cosmetology
Outreach Event Requests
If you would like to request the cosmetology team come to an outreach event, we would love to hear about the opportunity below.
Email: [email protected]
Student Laboratory Services
Phone: 619-388-8743
Please visit our Student Laboratory Services page for hours of opperation.
We do NOT accept any form of CASH payment!
You do not need to make an appointment for services.