Hi Guys,

 I am planning on starting school by November, and I have a few questions.

I originally looked at Paul Mitchell in Sherman Oaks, and loved it! The atmosphere was amazing! I loved the learning leaders, the students every thing! The only problem was the price tag. The tuition is about 22,000 all together and I qualify for about 9,000 worth of financial aid. That leaves me with a 13,000 dollar loan.

I have been seriously considering Newberry School of beauty which is an accredited school because it is only 12000 and I would only have about 3,000 to pay out of pocket after my financial aid.

I know it’s not the biggest known school, but I figured once I graduate and get my license I could go to Vidal Sassoon and take some of their advanced classes; and most of what I read says you learn the real stuff once your out in the industry.

Is this a good plan? Or would you suggest I start off at Paul Mitchell? Will that get my farther ahead in the long run?

I think you have the right idea about going to the smaller school then taking advanced education later.  There is only so much you can learn and absorb all at once, and a high end salon will put you through a training program of their own, anyway.

This isn't a slam against a Paul Mitchell school... I think they're great and I would have loved to have gone to one, but an extra 10,000 in loans (plus interest!) is going to be a huge burden when you're starting out as an assistant making hourly, or behind the chair and just starting to build your clientele.