2008 Woodie Awards
Cosmetology offered on, off campus: Are programs better here or there?
Michele Polendey
Issue date: 5/5/05 Section: Features
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Unlike most private schools, EC offers a degree in three areas of cosmetology: Hair, nails and esthetician (skills in giving facials, manicures and similar treatments).
"When a student graduates, if she likes to do facials she can work in a spa; if she likes to do nails she can work in a nail shop; if she likes to do hair, she can do hair," Gebert said.
"But our students are able to do all of these things. That's what's wonderful," she said.
Cosmetology courses are subject to the basic fee of $26 a unit, plus the additional costs of books, as well as a one-time fee of $500 for the styling kit that includes all of the student's necessities, like scissors and hot tools.
When these fees are compared to private schools such as a Paul Mitchell or Vidal Sassoon, where costs can range anywhere from $15,000 to $17,000, EC is a true bargain.
"At a private school, students are going to learn great cutting and coloring techniques. It just really depends on where the student wants to be," Gebert said. "The way I see it, it's out there for everybody."
"Paul Mitchell is a fabulous school, if you have the funds and you want to go there," Gebert said.
Anthony Griffin, cosmetology major, said the college's financial aid system helped him get through his courses.
"I was in a position starting from scratch. The cheapest program around me was seven thousand dollars," Griffin said. "At El Camino, they offered to pay my tuition."
Another advantage to the EC courses is that instructors not only have a lot of experience, but they are also regulated by the dean of the college, as well as the members of the state board of cosmetology.
"At any time, a board member can walk into our classroom and look through our files, our shampoo bowls, and our tools, and if they find anything that is not up to the code, they can shut us down," Gebert said.
At the private schools, the owner is basically the one who may choose the curriculum discussed and can decide concentrate on any aspect of cosmetology.
Aleishia Hardy, cosmetology major, said she believes the instruction is completely different in a community college versus a private school.
"I believe it's better to go to a community college because the instruction is based on strictly state board criteria," Hardy said. "Some private schools will go off to certain areas and when you come here, you get everything."
"When a student graduates, if she likes to do facials she can work in a spa; if she likes to do nails she can work in a nail shop; if she likes to do hair, she can do hair," Gebert said.
"But our students are able to do all of these things. That's what's wonderful," she said.
Cosmetology courses are subject to the basic fee of $26 a unit, plus the additional costs of books, as well as a one-time fee of $500 for the styling kit that includes all of the student's necessities, like scissors and hot tools.
When these fees are compared to private schools such as a Paul Mitchell or Vidal Sassoon, where costs can range anywhere from $15,000 to $17,000, EC is a true bargain.
"At a private school, students are going to learn great cutting and coloring techniques. It just really depends on where the student wants to be," Gebert said. "The way I see it, it's out there for everybody."
"Paul Mitchell is a fabulous school, if you have the funds and you want to go there," Gebert said.
Anthony Griffin, cosmetology major, said the college's financial aid system helped him get through his courses.
"I was in a position starting from scratch. The cheapest program around me was seven thousand dollars," Griffin said. "At El Camino, they offered to pay my tuition."
Another advantage to the EC courses is that instructors not only have a lot of experience, but they are also regulated by the dean of the college, as well as the members of the state board of cosmetology.
"At any time, a board member can walk into our classroom and look through our files, our shampoo bowls, and our tools, and if they find anything that is not up to the code, they can shut us down," Gebert said.
At the private schools, the owner is basically the one who may choose the curriculum discussed and can decide concentrate on any aspect of cosmetology.
Aleishia Hardy, cosmetology major, said she believes the instruction is completely different in a community college versus a private school.
"I believe it's better to go to a community college because the instruction is based on strictly state board criteria," Hardy said. "Some private schools will go off to certain areas and when you come here, you get everything."