Empire Beauty School at Thornton

Ready to start your journey to beauty school? ✨

If you're wondering what it takes to enroll in cosmetology school, our latest blog walks you through the process—from understanding state-approved programs to comparing schedules, hands-on training, financial aid options, and what to expect before your first day.

Start planning your future with confidence.

How to Start Cosmetology School: Steps Before You Apply Ready to start cosmetology school? Learn how to choose a program, find a campus, review requirements, ask about cost, and apply with confidence.

🎓 Scholarship Opportunity – Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation

Apply for the S.W.E.A.T. (Skill & Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo) Scholarship at:
https://mikeroweworks.org/scholarship

Eligibility:
🖤Must be a U.S. citizen
🖤High school senior, graduate, or GED holder
🖤Enrolled or planning to enroll in an approved trade-related program at a U.S. accredited 2-year college, vocational/technical school, or technical institute (4-year degree programs are not eligible)
🖤Able to provide a current tuition bill or official cost statement for the upcoming academic year

Prior recipients may apply for second-year funding

Scholarships are awarded four times a year, based on when your application is submitted. Scholarships will not be awarded for programs that have already completed.
• October 2026 – Apply August 30, 2026
• December 2026 – Apply by October 31, 2026

Application Deadline
To be considered for a scholarship in 2026, you must apply by October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time Zone.

Thinking about a career in hair but not sure which training path is right for you?

Many people use the terms hairdresser school and cosmetology school interchangeably—but they can mean different things. Our latest blog explains what each offers, what you may learn, and how to choose the program that fits your career goals.

✨ Learn the differences

✨ Explore what cosmetology programs include

✨ Find the right path for your future in beauty

Hairdresser School vs. Cosmetology School: What’s Different? Compare hairdresser school and cosmetology school, learn what students may study, and see how to choose the right beauty training path.

🎓💇 Scholarship Alert! 💰

Ready to invest in your future? Keller International is awarding one $1,500 Barber & Beauty Scholarship to help an eligible beauty student take the next step toward their career!

✨ Open to students enrolled in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail, spa, and other beauty industry programs.

📝 Share your story, your goals, and what your education means to you for a chance to win.

📅 Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

👉 Apply here: https://keller4salon.com/pages/scholarship

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your future! 💛

ATTENTION NIGHT STUDENT AT THE THORNTON CAMPUS‼️‼️‼️

If you are missing a cell phone it is safe and put away in our Director’s office. Please call 303-451-5808

(It is locked so we are unable to call any contacts in the phone and there is no lock screen photo)

State-approved. Accredited. They sound similar—but they're not the same.

If you're researching cosmetology schools, understanding the difference can help you make a more informed decision about your education, licensing path, and financial aid options.

Our latest blog breaks down:
✨ What state-approved means
✨ What accreditation means
✨ Why both matter
✨ Questions to ask before you enroll

State-Approved vs. Accredited Cosmetology Programs | Empire State-approved and accredited cosmetology programs are not always the same. Learn what each means, why it matters, and what to ask before enrolling.

Choosing the right cosmetology school is one of the most important steps toward your beauty career. 💇✨

Not all schools are created equal. Learn what it means to attend a state-approved cosmetology school, what questions to ask before you enroll, and how to find the right program for your goals.

Read our latest blog and start your journey with confidence:

How to Choose a State-Approved Cosmetology School Near You Looking for a state-approved cosmetology school near you? Learn what to compare, what questions to ask, and how to choose the right beauty school.

🎉 Congratulations Hannah on all your hard work and graduating from cosmetology school! ✂️💇‍♀️✨

You did it! Your dedication, determination, and passion have brought you to this incredible milestone, and this is only the beginning. Wishing you endless success as you start this exciting new chapter. Go get ‘em—you’ve got this! So proud of you! 💕🎓✨

🎉 Calling all Empire Beauty School alumni!

Your beauty school journey doesn't end at graduation, and now there's a place to stay connected with the Empire community.

Join today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empirebeautyschoolalumni

Join the official Empire Beauty School Alumni Facebook Group to:
✨ Network with fellow Empire graduates from across the country.
💬 Share career updates, advice, and industry insights.
💼 Discover beauty career opportunities
🤝 Celebrate milestones and accomplishments.
📣 Ask questions, share resources, and support one another.

Whether you graduated recently or years ago, we'd love to have you as part of the community.

Once you're in the group, introduce yourself by sharing:
💖 Your name
📍 The Empire campus you graduated from
✂️ What you're doing now
✨ Your favorite beauty school memory

We can't wait to reconnect with you. Welcome back to the Empire community!

Congratulations to our newest Empire graduate 👩🏻‍🎓 Rachel!! You have completed your 1500 hours of cosmetology school and are now ready to become licensed 🤩 We are all so proud of you🎊🎉