The Academy of Hair Design Six

Academic life here is not about a liberal arts curriculum or choosing from hundreds of majors. It is a laser-focused, immersive experience in a single trade. The school offers exactly one program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. Typically, about 21 students are awarded a degree or certificate in this field annually. The pedagogy is explicitly hands-on and career-oriented, aimed at developing 'independent learners' who are 'empowered to set challenging goals, encouraged to grow personal brands, and equipped with the mindset to thrive in the beauty industry.' Discussions among prospective students on platforms like Facebook revolve around practical comparisons between beauty schools for specific tracks like esthetics, underscoring the program's reputation as a local option for professional training. The academic calendar runs on a continuous schedule, typical of intensive vocational programs designed to move students swiftly into the workforce.

Student life is intimate and urban, revolving entirely around the cosmetology studio. The entire undergraduate student body is exceptionally small, with sources citing figures between 37 and 66 students total. The campus setting is described as urban, located in Hattiesburg. There are no indications of traditional residential dormitories, athletic teams, Greek life, or a sprawling campus—this is a commuter-based, career-training environment. The community is built around the shared, singular goal of mastering cosmetology skills. The student-to-faculty ratio is reported to be 12:1, which for a hands-on trade school suggests the potential for close, practical instruction, though official graduation and retention rates are not publicly available through the provided sources.

Outcomes are measured not in terms of traditional four-year graduation rates, but in readiness for licensure and entry into the beauty industry. Available data on post-graduation earnings is mixed and not specific to this campus; one source lists a figure for 'Median Earnings 1 Year After Graduation' but it is unclear if this applies directly to The Academy of Hair Design Six. The canonical figure for median earnings 10 years after entry is $22,706. The school's own materials emphasize preparing students to 'thrive in the beauty industry,' focusing on the practical outcome of job placement and salon readiness. There is no published data on graduation rates for this specific institution, which is common for certificate-granting vocational schools where students complete programs at different paces.

As a for-profit career school, cost is a central consideration. The average net price after aid—the canonical figure we use—is $17,138. Other sources report similar figures, with one noting an average net price of $19,488 after scholarships and grants, and an average aid package of $6,440. Another source lists an average total aid award of $7,395 per year. The school provides a Net Price Calculator on its website for prospective students to estimate their individual costs. Financial aid primarily comes through federal programs for those who qualify, including Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized). The school actively guides students through the FAFSA process to access this aid. Some industry-specific scholarships, like a $500 award from the Schaeffer Family Foundation for cosmetology students at member schools, may also be available.

The Academy of Hair Design Six stands out for its utter lack of pretense and its radical focus. It is not a university trying to be all things to all people; it is a trade school with a clear, singular purpose. Its identity is forged from being a small, urban access point to a specific licensed profession. There are no general education requirements, no campus quad, and no admissions games—just a direct, practical pathway into cosmetology. This makes it a distinct and vital institution within its ecosystem, serving students whose primary goal is to quickly gain the skills and state license needed to begin working in salons. Its character is defined by vocational intensity, a close-knit studio environment, and a transparent, career-first philosophy that separates it completely from the traditional liberal arts college experience.