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Frequently Asked Questions

We know that selecting a beauty school is a big deal. We want you to have ALL the information you need to make your decision. We get tons of questions daily. You may find answers to your questions here. Before you call, take a look. If you don't find your answer, reach out to us during our regular support hours.
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GENERAL INFORMATION 

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1. What is MIAA Beauty Institute? 
MIAA Beauty Institute is a private career school, offering training in Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology. We are committed to providing affordable, high-quality education and ensuring our students graduate debt-free. 

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2. Where is MIAA Beauty Institute located? 
7836 Parston Drive Forestville MD 20747. We are located in the Parston Square Shopping Center. Located minutes from I-495 Exit 11, Pennsylvania Ave.  

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3. What programs do we offer? 

  • Cosmetology – 1500 hours 

  • Esthetics – 600 hours 

  • Nail Technology – 300 hours. Note, the state requirement for nail technology is 250 hours, however, our program is 300. 

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4. What are the school hours? 

  • Administrative Office: Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 2 PM 

  • Practical Class Days: Varies by program. See below for exact dates/times 

  • Hybrid Learning: Available 24/7 via the Milady CIMA platform 

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5. Is MIAA Beauty Institute accredited? 
No, we are not accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. However, we are approved at the State level by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the Maryland State Board of Cosmetology. 

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ENROLLMENT & ADMISSIONS 

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6. How can someone register for a program? 
Students can register online via our website. They must submit the registration form, select their desired program and schedule, and pay the required enrollment fee.  

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7. What are the age and education requirements for enrollment? 

  • Must be at least 16 years old and have completed the 9th grade or obtained a GED, or high school equivalent.  

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9. What is the difference between part-time and full-time schedules? 

  • Full-time: 30 hours per week 

  • Part-time: 20 hours per week 

  • All students start with online theory coursework. Practical learning begins after completing a minimum of 100 hours for Cosmetology and Esthetics or 75 hours for Nail Tech. 

 

10. Can students switch between full-time and part-time? 
Yes, students can request a ONE-TIME schedule change, but they must coordinate with the administration to ensure availability and discuss tuition adjustments.  

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TUITION & FINANCIAL AID 

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11. How much is tuition for each program? 

  • Cosmetology: $9,550 

  • Esthetics: $6,550 (Special pricing of $3,950 for licensed lash techs) 

  • Nail Technology: $3,000 

 

12. What payment plans are available? 

  • Full tuition can be paid upfront (with a 10% discount). 

  • Monthly payment plans are available based on program length. 

  • Students must pay the $350 enrollment fee first. 

 

13. Do we accept FAFSA? 
No, we are not Title IV funded. However, students may be eligible for The Jack F. Tolbert Grant through the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The maximum grant award is $500 and may be awarded for multiple semesters. A FAFSA is required for the Tolbert grant. Only enrolled students may apply for the Tolbert grant. 

 

14. What financial aid options are available? 

  • The Beauty Access Fund: MIAA’s in-house scholarship program 

  • The Tolbert Grant: A need-based state grant up to $500 

  • Work-Study Program: Limited opportunities available for administrative support. 

 

15. What happens if a student falls behind on payments? 

  • A student cannot attend practical classes with an overdue balance. We understand that things happen, however we ask that our students keep us informed and make payment arrangements when necessary. 

  • A student must be paid in full to receive their certificate and sit for the state board exam. 

  • If a student remains unpaid for 60+ days, their account may be sent to collections. 

 

CURRICULUM & LEARNING FORMAT 

 

16. How does the hybrid learning model work? 
Students complete online coursework via Milady CIMA, which tracks their hours. After reaching their required online hours, they transition into hybrid learning with in-person practicals. 

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17. What is Milady CIMA? 
CIMA is our digital learning platform where students complete their theory coursework, assignments, quizzes, and tests. Students must log at least: 

  • 100 hours (Esthetics) before transitioning to in-person classes 

  • 75 hours (Nail Technology) before transitioning to in-person classes 

 

18. How do students track their hours? 

  • Hours are logged automatically in CIMA. 

  • Students should pace themselves to complete the required hours per week. 

  • Students should be sure to click or refresh their screens every 10-15 minutes to avoid timing out. 

 

19. What happens if a student works through the online content too quickly? 
Students must meet their minimum weekly hour requirements to remain on track. Rushing through material does not count toward required hours, so students should thoroughly complete all reading, assignments, quizzes, and tests. 

 

PRACTICAL TRAINING & CLASS SCHEDULES 

 

20. When do students start in-person practical classes? 

  • Esthetics: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3 PM – 7 PM 

  • Nail Technology: Mondays & Wednesdays, 3 PM – 7 PM 

  • Cosmetology: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10 AM – 2 PM 

 

21. What is required for practical classes? 

  • Students must complete online coursework before transitioning. 

  • Students must wear closed-toe shoes. 

  • Students must bring their kits to every practical session. 

 

GRADUATION & LICENSING 

 

22. What is required to graduate? 

  • Completion of required clock hours 

  • Passing all quizzes, tests, and final exams 

  • Paid-in-full tuition balance 

 

23. What is the state licensing process? 
Graduates receive a Completion Form, which they must submit to PSI Exams to schedule their state board exam. 

 

24. Does MIAA provide job placement assistance? 
Yes! We offer: 

  • Resume workshops 

  • Mock interviews 

  • A network of Salon and spa partnerships for job opportunities 

 

STUDENT SUPPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS 

 

25. Who should students contact for help? 

  • Program-related inquiries: Contact instructor 

  • Technical issues with CIMA: Contact Milady CIMA support 

 

26. What if a student needs to take a leave of absence? 
Students should formally request a Leave of Absence (LOA). A maximum of 30 days is permitted without re-enrollment. 

 

27. What are the holiday closures? 

  • We are closed for all federally recognized holidays. 

 

MISCELLANEOUS 

 

28. Can students use the free salon space after graduation? 
Yes! Graduates have 30 days of free access to MIAA’s salon space to build their clientele before securing their own space. Must have an active license.  

 

29. What is the refund policy? 
Students should refer to their enrollment agreement for the refund policy. 

 

30. Are students required to purchase their own kit? 
No, all kits are included in tuition. 

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