Touring a beauty school is one of the most important steps in choosing the right program.

But many prospective students walk into a tour without knowing what to ask. Later, they realize they forgot to ask about tuition details, licensing preparation, class sizes, or what’s actually included in the program.

If you’re planning a campus visit, use this checklist to make sure you leave with real answers — not just impressions.

Why Asking The Right Questions Matters

A campus tour isn’t just about seeing the classrooms. It’s about understanding:

• Whether the program prepares you for licensure
• What your total investment will be
• How much hands-on training you’ll receive
• What kind of support you’ll have during and after school

Students who ask informed questions tend to make more confident decisions — and feel more prepared once classes begin.

Questions About Accreditation And Licensing

Start with the fundamentals.

Is The School Accredited?

Accreditation ensures the program meets specific educational standards. It can also affect:

• Financial aid eligibility
• Employer perception
• Licensing qualification

Ask who accredits the school and what that means for you.

Does The Program Meet State Licensing Requirements?

In most states, you must complete a certain number of training hours before sitting for your licensing exam.

Ask:

• How many hours are required in this state?
• Does this program fully prepare me for the state board exam?
• What is the school’s state board pass rate?

Licensing preparation should be clear and structured.

Questions About Cost And Financial Planning

Tuition is one of the biggest decision factors.

What Is Included In Tuition?

Ask specifically:

• Is the student kit included?
• Are tools and supplies included?
• Are there additional lab or product fees?
• Are state board exam fees separate?

A transparent breakdown prevents surprises later.

You can also review Empire’s tuition and financing options before your visit to prepare financially informed questions.

What Financial Aid Options Are Available?

If you qualify, you may be eligible for:

• Federal financial aid
• Scholarships
• Payment plans

Ask how the financial aid process works and what documentation is required.

Questions About Daily Training And Classroom Experience

Beauty school is hands-on. You should understand how that experience works.

How Soon Do Students Work With Real Clients?

Real client experience builds confidence and technical skill.

Ask:

• When do students begin working in the student salon?
• How are services supervised?
• How are students evaluated?

Hands-on experience is critical to long-term growth.

What Is The Class Size?

Class size can impact:

• Instructor attention
• Feedback quality
• Practice opportunities

Ask how many students are typically in each class and how instructors provide individualized support.

What Brands And Products Are Used?

If you’re serious about a beauty career, product exposure matters.

Ask:

• What professional brands are used in training?
• Are students exposed to modern coloring and styling techniques?
• Do you teach business and retail strategies?

Your training should reflect real-world salon expectations.

Questions About Career Preparation

Graduation is not the end — it’s the beginning.

Does The School Offer Job Placement Support?

Ask about:

• Resume assistance
• Interview preparation
• Employer partnerships
• Alumni networking

Strong career support can accelerate your early career.

Do Students Learn Business Skills?

Technical skill alone is not enough. Ask whether the program covers:

• Client retention
• Pricing strategy
• Booking systems
• Social media marketing basics

Long-term income in beauty often depends on business knowledge.

Insider Questions Most Students Forget To Ask

These questions often reveal the most:

• How many hours per week will I attend?
• What is the attendance policy?
• What happens if I fall behind?
• What does a typical day look like?
• Can I speak to a current student?

These details help you understand daily expectations.

What To Look For During The Tour

Beyond questions, observe:

• Are students actively working?
• Is the environment clean and organized?
• Are instructors engaged?
• Do students seem supported?

Your experience on tour often reflects the culture of the program.

Preparing For Your Empire Tour

If you’re planning to visit an Empire Beauty School campus, bring this checklist with you.

Before your visit, you can:

• Review the cosmetology or esthetics program pages
• Explore tuition and financing information
• Locate the campus nearest you

Arriving prepared allows you to focus on fit, not just features.

Choosing a beauty school is a professional decision.

The right questions help you evaluate:

• Licensing readiness
• Financial clarity
• Training quality
• Career preparation

A tour should leave you informed, not overwhelmed.

If you’re ready to see a campus in person, schedule a tour and bring your questions with you. The more prepared you are, the more confident your decision will be. Join a community, and enroll at Empire Beauty School, where your dreams become reality.

For more information about Empire Beauty School, or how to enroll, please click!