Career Academy of Hair Design

The academy focuses exclusively on career-ready beauty programs: cosmetology, esthetics (skincare), nail technology, and instructor training. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on training, with students gaining experience in on-campus salons. Alumni praise the supportive instructors and 'helpful environment' (Facebook reviews). The program is designed for rapid entry into the workforce, with no general education requirements—every course is industry-specific. The Fort Smith campus caters to experienced professionals seeking to transition into teaching roles while maintaining salon clients.

Life at Career Academy revolves around clinic floors and mannequin heads. The Instagram feed showcases student work: bold haircuts, intricate nail art, and skincare treatments. The vibe is trade-school intense—no dorms, no football games, just long hours perfecting balayage techniques. The student handbook outlines a professional conduct code, emphasizing punctuality and salon etiquette. While there are no traditional campus amenities, the school’s location in Springdale (near Walmart’s headquarters) offers affordable living costs compared to urban beauty schools.

The academy boasts a >95% pass rate on state licensing exams, aided by weekly test prep sessions (Facebook). Graduates report median earnings of $21,567 10 years post-graduation—modest but aligned with industry averages for entry-level stylists. The 71% graduation rate is high for a trade school, and median debt is $6,365, far below the national average for higher ed. Most alumni work in local salons, though some leverage the instructor program to teach while maintaining their own clientele.

Tuition is $13,479 after aid (College Board), with 56% of students taking federal loans averaging $4,280. The school participates in Title IV federal aid programs, and 78% of students receive Pell Grants. Payment plans are available, and the net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests costs can drop below $10k for low-income students. Unlike traditional colleges, there’s no room/board expense—students live off-campus. The financial resilience score (32/100 per Ibex) indicates some instability, but the low debt load mitigates risk.

This is a no-frills launchpad for beauty careers—no pretensions, no gen eds, just 1,500 hours of shears-and-scalpels training. The 100% acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. and open-door policy make it accessible, while the >95% exam pass rate ensures rigor. Unlike pricier Aveda schools, it serves a blue-collar clientele, with median earnings post-graduation reflecting local salon wages. For Arkansas residents seeking a low-debt, high-placement trade education, it’s a pragmatic choice. The ability to teach while working (via the instructor program) is a rare perk.