Programs Offered

Barbering / Cosmetology / Esthetics / Nail Technology

Recent Reviews

10/30/2025 via Google
10/30/2025
via Google

This was a great experience and it's such a bargain! My esthetician, Kat was very professional and did a great job I am so glad that I found this place. I highly recommend it. It's very clean very professional, it was a delightful experience that I think whoever is reading this review would really enjoy going and having a facial. Make sure you ask for Kat she is really thorough and really cares about your skin. I am so glad I was told about Bellas Academy.

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10/30/2025 via Google
10/30/2025
via Google

I just got a facial and lash lift from Katt Kurtchi, and I’m absolutely obsessed with the results! My skin feels so clean, hydrated, and glowy, and my lashes look perfectly lifted and natural. Katt is so professional, knowledgeable, and kind — she made the whole experience relaxing from start to finish. You can tell she truly cares about her clients and loves what she does. Highly recommend booking with her if you want to treat yourself — she’s amazing!

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10/30/2025 via Google
10/30/2025
via Google

I am proud to share that I have recently graduated from Bellus Academy’s Advanced Cosmetology program, a comprehensive 10 months course that truly transformed my skills, confidence, and perspective on the beauty industry. When I began this journey I had little to no experience in hair cutting, coloring or extensions. Through Bellus’s hands on learning environment I was able develop a strong foundation in every aspect of cosmetology. The program’s structure allowed me to practice and refine each skill in a real world setting, turning my initial curiosity into a true professional passion. A big shout out to the dedicated educators who guided me throughout this journey, especially the head lead educators ( Mrs Todd Dasilva, Miss Bree Emerick, Miss Chey Monaghan, Miss Miranda ) who bring a wealth of salon experience, technical knowledge, and genuinely caring for students and each of them goes above and beyond to support students all Learning levels, encouraging us to grow, challenge ourselves, pursue in our craft. Their mentorship has made a lasting impact on my professional development. I would like to recognize Bellus Academy’s continuous innovation, particularly with recent updates to the 2025 curriculum, this happened since the vice president of all Bellus Academy’s location and the new director at Poway location Mrs David Yocum which further enhance the students learning experience. The academy’s dedication to staying aligned with modern industry standards ensures that graduates are not only skilled but also prepared to thrive in today’s evolving beauty industry. A Major highlights of my time at Bellus Academy was the opportunity to participate in real world events such as fashion shows, beauty pageants, and San Diego Fashion Week, among many others. Under the guidance of Mrs. Floyd, our incredible event coordinator, and event educators I gained valuable experience working behind the scenes with professional runway models. These experiences taught me how to create stunning hair and makeup looks. Mrs. Floyd’s organization, enthusiasm, and ensures we are well-prepared, punctual made every event a rewarding learning opportunity. Completing this program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. And hopefully find the dream salon I want to work🙏🏻 Sahar Bashir☺️

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In the School's Words

Bellus Academy is an award-winning beauty and wellness institution dedicated to graduating career-ready professionals. We specialize in advanced training and have built a reputation for innovative education, consistently nabbing top honors in Modern Salon's national Excellence in Education program. As the most awarded beauty school in the world, Bellus Academy has been named the "best beauty school in the nation" two years in a row by Modern Salon and was most recently awarded the number one beauty school in North America by Intercoiffure.

Financial Aid

We offer financial aid to those who qualify. We also have ongoing scholarships for recent high school graduates and military.

Our Poway Campus

Located in the heart of San Diego County, our award-winning Poway location underwent a $2.5 million renovation in 2009, expanding the facility to 20,000 square feet and adding equipment that you’ll find only in high-end spas.

Programs

Bellus Academy - Poway offers the following programs:

Barbering / Cosmetology / Esthetics / Nail Technology

Master Esthetics

Program Length 900 hours
Average Completion 8 months
Program Tuition $14,512

Our Esthetics curriculum covers a variety of skin care techniques ranging from facials, chemical exfoliation, hair removal, microdermabrasion and more. We offer advanced programs that will allow you to wow employers in luxury and medical spas. Bellus Academy is proud to be selected as the first U.S. School to partner with CIDESCO, recognized as the world’s most prestigious qualification in the field of Esthetics, to offer a specialized certification in Skin Care.

Esthetics

Program Length 600 hours
Average Completion 5 months
Program Tuition $10,324

Our Esthetics curriculum covers a variety of skin care techniques ranging from facials, chemical exfoliation, hair removal, microdermabrasion and more. We offer advanced programs that will allow you to wow employers in luxury and medical spas. Bellus Academy is proud to be selected as the first U.S. School to partner with CIDESCO, recognized as the world’s most prestigious qualification in the field of Esthetics, to offer a specialized certification in Skin Care.

Cosmetology

Program Length 1,600 hours
Average Completion 12 months
Program Tuition $23,759

Our Cosmetology program includes professional training in all aspects of the beauty industry. The program includes an iPad, where much of the curriculum is taught in conjunction with a social learning experience. Our salon floor gives students the experience needed to develop their craft and work with clients. We also offer advanced Cosmetology programs.

Nail Technology

Program Length 600 hours
Average Completion 5 months
Program Tuition $9,113

Our Spa Nail program is the first in the nation to go beyond the basics of manicuring, adding the spa treatment training demanded by luxury salons and spas.

Barbering

Program Length 1,800 hours
Average Completion 13 months
Program Tuition $26,571

Bellus Academy’s carefully curated barbering program offers a multidimensional education that highlights the various aspects within a growing profession. Our accomplished educators and industry experts use the Bellus proprietary system to teach men’s grooming trends, shaving, and haircutting through visual, verbal, written, and hands-on instruction.

Barbering

Program Length 1,500 hours
Average Completion 11 months
Program Tuition $22,137

Bellus Academy’s carefully curated barbering program offers a multidimensional education that highlights the various aspects within a growing profession. Our accomplished educators and industry experts use the Bellus proprietary system to teach men’s grooming trends, shaving, and haircutting through visual, verbal, written, and hands-on instruction.

Barber/Cosmetology

Program Length N/A
Average Completion N/A
Program Tuition N/A

Our Barber/Cosmetology program leads to dual licensure for students and is designed to give our graduates a competitive edge, as we teach the business-side of the industry including retailing, sales techniques and budgeting. Our curriculum includes technical training along with state board prep.

About This School

Accreditation or State Approval

National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS)

One or more programs offered at this school is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accredited programs qualify graduates for applicable state licensing. In addition, accredited schools typically can offer more financial aid options, including federal financial aid. Learn more about accreditation and approval.

Financial Aid

48% of students received financial aid

On average, students received $5,145 in financial aid.

Student Body

Gender Ratio

94% Female, 6% Male

Race / Ethnicity Ratio

34% White, 38% Hispanic / Latino, 5% African American, 7% Asian American, 2% American Indian, 1% Hawaiian / Pacific, 12% Two or More, 1% Unknown

369 students are enrolled in this school

Contact This School

Get In Touch

Need Help Paying for School?

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Data Integrity

This information about the school and its programs is reported based on publicly available sources. Though we make periodic updates to our database, program information can change quickly, so always verify directly with the school. In between our periodic updates, we make ad hoc updates when requested as our editorial resources allow.

Page last updated: 01/28/2025

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