Charlene LaskyFinding the best beauty school in San Diego is an exciting first step toward a creative career in hair, skincare, or makeup.
The local beauty scene keeps growing, so choosing the right academy comes down to finding one that offers true hands-on training and real salon floor hours.
I looked closely at the top local schools to help you land a campus that fits your goals and your budget. The right program lets you master skills like precision cutting or clinical skincare while building genuine client confidence along the way.
Read on to know your perfect fit!
How much does beauty school cost in San Diego?
Beauty school tuition in San Diego typically costs $4,500 to $16,300+, depending on your chosen track and the total required hours.
An esthetics program sits at the lower end, while a full cosmetology program lands near the top, and advanced clinical modules are priced per class.
| Program Type | Average Cost Range |
| Cosmetology Program (1,000 Hours) | $10,000 – $16,300+ |
| Esthetics Program (600 Hours) | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| Advanced Clinical Modules | $1,500 – $2,500 per class |
1. Jasmine Beauty School
Website: https://jasminebeautyschool.com/
Address: 5911 University Ave, Suite #318-319
Contact: (619) 269-5720
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
If you want a focused daytime program that keeps you close to your instructors, Jasmine Beauty School is worth a serious look.
This University Avenue facility holds national accreditation from the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). In my book, this is a solid choice if you want comprehensive training that preps you for your state licensing exams.
During my visit there, I noticed how the smaller class sizes give you plenty of one-on-one attention, so you never feel lost during practical drills.
They also offer bilingual resources in English and Vietnamese, which are genuinely helpful for many students.
The catch is the strict daytime schedule. Classes run on weekday mornings and afternoons only, with no evening or weekend options, so the program works best if your days are already free to study.
Highly recommend
I graduated from Jasmine Beauty School a few years ago, and I just wanted to give them a well-deserved shout-out! The staff is incredibly friendly and supportive, and Sandy is absolutely wonderful. She truly cares about her students and goes above and beyond to help them succeed. I’m so grateful for my time there and highly recommend this school to anyone looking to start their career!
- Salwan Issac | Google Review
Best decision I’ve ever made
2024 Esthetician graduate here!! I enjoyed my time at Jasmine Beauty School; best decision i’ve ever made. I’ve built relationships with people whom I still speak to today, and find there course to be very organized/professional. Sandy Le makes sure you have the most efficient time at jasmine❤️🤍🤗
- Marietou Ndiaye | Google Review
2. California Beauty College
Website: https://californiabeautycollege.com/
Address: 4328 54th St
Contact: (619) 287-8777
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
If you want a straightforward, locally rooted education with no pricing surprises, this Mid-City campus is worth a look.
California Beauty College offers transparent, flat-rate pricing for its core California licenses.
Here, students gain real-world experience by serving the public in a busy student clinic that keeps the focus on passing the state board exams.
I spoke with a graduate who loved how quickly they fast-tracked into skin health, and you can finish the dedicated esthetician track in just 600 hours.
On the downside, the curriculum focuses on foundational skills, so you will not find advanced clinical modules, such as those needed for dermal fillers in San Diego.
It also leans heavily on board prep, so if you’re after creative or trend-focused electives, the lineup here may feel a little narrow.
Choose this school
You must choose this school. The school gives you the flexibility study. You can earn hours also on the online class. The price of barber, cosmetology, esthetic, manicuring classes very reasonable. Come and take a look.
- De Nguyen | Google Review
Teaches well
The school teaches well. In the morning I go to work and in the evening from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm I study on zoom for 4 hours. I am very grateful to the school.
- NANCY LE | Google Review
3. American Beauty Institute
Website: https://americanbeautyinst.org/
Address: 4625 Convoy St #A
Contact: (858) 560-1088
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM; Wednesday-Friday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
A beauty campus that branches into specialized wellness treatments can give you a real edge in the local job market.
Tucked into the Kearny Mesa area, American Beauty Institute stands out with dedicated tracks in massage therapy and spa nails.
Here, you can enroll in a focused 600-hour manicuring program to specialize in advanced nail care. You can also practice full spa services with local clients to build confidence each day.
From what I’ve seen, the instructors do a great job keeping the practical work engaging and easy to follow. That hands-on time on a real spa floor is where a lot of the learning sticks.
Just know that the school requires separate tracks for each specialty, so you can’t combine them into a single integrated dual-licensure program. The shorter early-week hours can also make scheduling a little tight.
Recommended
American Beauty Institute is great school! The schedule is flexible, it’s not overpriced, you can finish a school in 2 month and take you exam pretty fast. I wanna thank a best instructor ever Suki. She it amazing teacher- always there for you! If you live in San Diego I highly recommend this school.
- Diana Young | Google Review
Great experience
I had a great experience with ABI. I didn’t realized how supportive ABI is until i went to other beauty school. I got my manicure license from ABI. I wish i got my Esthetician license with them. my husband wants me to try other beauty school since it is close to my house. i am very disappointment. I am really approciated all the teacher at ABI. ( Miss Terry, Miss Thuy and Miss Suki) will visit you guys soon.
- Misako Shan | Google Review
4. Bellus Academy
Website: https://bellusacademy.edu/
Address: 13266 Poway Rd, Poway
Contact: (858) 748-1490
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Launching your career at an award-winning, 20,000-square-foot flagship academy gives you access to some serious resources.
Bellus Academy features an upscale salon floor stocked with luxury cosmetics. Fully recognized by NACCAS, they offer a unique 1,800-hour dual licensure program that lets you master both barbering and cosmetology at once.
You can also explore a 1,000-hour holistic health practitioner track here.
During my recent visit to their Poway campus, I noticed how smoothly the instructors guide students through evening classes, which are perfect for busy schedules.
Be ready for strict attendance rules, though, since their Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy puts you on probation if your scores dip below 75 percent. The Poway location is also a bit of a drive if you are coming from central San Diego.
Highly recommend
Miss Marla is an amazing educator! I took her advanced Brazilian waxing class and I really enjoyed it. Her live demo was very helpful and I appreciate all of her insights. Would highly recommend taking this class to learn more about waxing and how to do a Brazilian wax.
- Madeline Losito | Google Review
Great teacher
Travis is an outstanding barber educator! His attention to detail, patience, and ability to explain techniques in a clear, approachable way make him stand out. He has a true passion for the craft and pushes his students to not only learn the skills but also to develop confidence behind the chair. Every class with him feels engaging and hands-on, and he’s always willing to go the extra mile to ensure everyone understands. If you’re serious about learning barbering, you’ll be lucky to have Travis as your mentor.
- Vika Zaharova | Google Review
5. California Advanced Esthetics
Website: http://www.caadest.com/
Address: 7851 Mission Center Court, Suite #262
Contact: (619) 272-0229
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Focusing entirely on clinical skin therapies is a great path if you want to work alongside medical professionals.
California Advanced Esthetics offers a master esthetics diploma program under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tamara Yusupoff and a team of respected industry experts.
When you enroll here, you get direct access to specialized modules covering immunology and the advanced science of acne.
They even run a quick four-week crash course for licensed cosmetologists who want to expand their skills or move toward offering permanent makeup in San Diego.
While it’s an incredible learning environment developed in collaboration with dermatologists, you must demonstrate foundational esthetics knowledge before enrolling.
Also, the campus is only open a few days a week, so scheduling takes some planning.
Changed my life
This school changed my life. I know have a thriving career with two locations one in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach. Hopefully soon my third location in San Diego. Miss. Tamara is the best teacher and mentor. She helped turn me into a celebrity esthetician.
- CRYSTAL KORO | Google Review
Best program
I am a licensed esthetician with amazing job because of this school! Best program for not just being a specialist, but knowledge in business, connection with most important people in esthetician world! Love this school and stopping by often to say hi!
- Iryna Crotty | Google Review
