FAQ For Prospective Esthetics and Cosmetology Students

Cosmetology
Esthetics

Cosmetology

First, complete the Greenville Technical College application. Choose Cosmetology for your major, complete all required placement tests, etc. Once admitted to the college, students will be prompted to schedule a planning and advising session where they will complete registration.

What is a planning and advising session and how do I sign up for it?

Once admitted to the college, students will be prompted to schedule a planning and advising session where they will complete registration.

How much is the tuition for the Cosmetology Program?

Please visit our tuition and fees website to find the most accurate tuition. There are 13-credit hours in semester one, 12-credit hours in semester two, and 9-credit hours in the final summer session. If you are enrolling in the Associate Degree program, please follow the credit hours listed in the catalog.

If I want my Associate Degree in Cosmetology, what other courses will I need?

To earn your two-year degree from GTC, please visit the catalog to review the full curriculum and suggested course sequence.

When can I start the Cosmetology Program?

Students can enter the program each fall or spring only.

Do I need a kit or books or other materials? Are they included in my tuition?

Yes, you will need to purchase your Cosmetology kit and your set of books from the main bookstore before your first day of class. Each student will also need several miscellaneous items to help prepare for the SC State Board exams – these can typically be found at the Dollar Tree or around your home. Kits, books and exam materials are NOT included in your tuition and must be purchased separately.

Will financial aid help pay for my classes?

The Cosmetology Certificate and Associate Degree program are eligible for financial aid for those who qualify.

How do I know if I qualify for financial aid?

All students seeking financial aid must submit a FAFSA and then apply for financial aid through GTC. All questions regarding financial aid must be answered by that office.

How long will it take to complete the Cosmetology program?

The Cosmetology Certificate program is designed to be completed in three sequential semesters. The Associate Degree program is designed to take two years (five semesters).

How many students do you take in the program per semester?

20 is the maximum number of students admitted each fall and spring for Cosmetology.

Do I have to wear a uniform?

All-black attire is required (scrubs recommended) with closed-toe flat shoes - color of your choice.

What’s the difference between the Cosmetology General Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree and Cosmetology Certificate in Applied Science Programs?

The GTC Associate Degree program is a two-year degree program. Upon successful completion, students will earn both the two-year degree and the Cosmetology Certificate. Those who complete the Cosmetology Certificate in Applied Science program complete in a shorter period of time and receive a certificate.

What are the admission requirements for the program?

High School Diploma or GED and acceptable placement test scores in reading, writing and mathematics.

What days of the week are the classes and what are the class times?

Cosmetology requires a M-F full-time schedule to complete the licensure required 1500 clock hours. The standard week is Monday-Friday for 35-40 hours per week.

When I successfully complete the program, do I receive my Cosmetology License?

No. Successful GTC Cosmetology graduates will receive a certificate of completion and/or an Associate Degree from GTC. To receive your Cosmetology License, you will use your earned 1500 clock hours to qualify you to take the SC State Board Licensure exams.

Can I take some of the classes during the fall and take the others in the spring?

No. The courses are designed to build and blend together for the 1500 clock hours and enrollment seats are limited.

Esthetics

Do I have to take cosmetology courses as part of my Esthetics program?

No, these are two separate programs.

What are the differences between the Cosmetology and Esthetics Programs?

The Cosmetology Program consists of 1500 clock hours/34-credit-hours. It covers hair, nails and skin.

The Esthetics Program consists of 450 clock hours/12-credit-hours. It covers skin-related techniques: facials (face and back), waxing, microdermabrasion, makeup, eyelash extensions and tinting, etc.

When can I start the Esthetics Program?

Students can enter the program each fall or spring only.

Will financial aid pay for my Esthetics Program?

No, financial aid is not available for a one-semester certificate program. However, there may be Workforce Pathway grant monies available.

What days of the week are the classes and what are the class times?

Esthetics requires a M-F full-time schedule to complete the licensure-required 450 clock hours. The standard week is Monday-Friday for 32-35 hours per week with Thursday hours 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. to accommodate the Esthetics public clinic.

Do I need a kit or books or other materials? Are they included in my tuition?

Yes, you will need to purchase your Esthetics kit and your set of books from the main bookstore before your first day of class. Each student will also need several miscellaneous items to help prepare for the SC State Board ESTH exams – these can typically be found at the Dollar Tree or around your home. Kits, books and exam materials are NOT included in your tuition and must be purchased separately.

How much is the tuition for the Esthetics Program?

Please visit our tuition and fees website to find the most accurate tuition. There are 12-credit-hours total for the Esthetics Program.

How do I get into the program?

First, complete the Greenville Technical College application. Choose Esthetics for your major, complete all required placement tests, etc. Once admitted to the college, students will be prompted to schedule a planning and advising session where they will complete registration.

What is a planning and advising session and how do I sign up for it?

Once admitted to the college, students will be prompted to schedule a planning and advising session where they will complete registration.

How long will it take to complete the Esthetics program?

The Esthetics program is designed to be completed in one semester (fall or spring).

How many students do you take in the program per Semester?

20 is the maximum number of students admitted each fall and spring for Esthetics.

Do I have to wear a uniform?

All-black attire is required (scrubs recommended) with closed-toe flat shoes - color of your choice.

If I do not get into the program for the fall, am I placed on the waiting list for the spring?

No. All students are required to register themselves when registration opens each semester. If a student completes all admission requirements, including placement tests and a planning and advising session, but does not get in, they are eligible to register before new students the following semester.

What are the admission requirements for the program?

High School Diploma or GED and acceptable placement test scores in reading and writing.

When I successfully complete the program, do I receive my Esthetician License?

No. Successful GTC Esthetic graduates will receive a certificate of completion from GTC. To receive your Esthetician License, you will use your earned 450 clock hours to qualify you to take the SC State Board Esthetician Licensure exams.

Can I take some of the classes during the fall and take the others in the spring?

No. The courses are designed to build and blend together for the 450 clock hours and enrollment seats are limited.