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Choosing where to study beauty is a big, personal decision. And one of the smartest first questions to ask may not be an obvious one: Is the school accredited? An accredited cosmetology school is one that a recognized agency, the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, or NACCAS, has reviewed and confirmed meets established standards for its education, its instructors, and the way it supports students. It may not sound like the most thrilling part of the search, but it shapes everything from your financial aid options to how ready you’ll feel come licensing day.
Here’s the thing, though: accreditation is really just the beginning of the story. It tells you a school meets the standard. What it can’t tell you is how a place will feel once you walk through the door, and that’s the part we care about most.
What does it mean for a cosmetology school to be accredited?
Accreditation is a voluntary review in which an independent agency measures a school against a set of published standards and continues to measure it on a regular schedule. To earn accreditation and keep it, a school has to show it does what it says: utilizes qualified instructors, a sound curriculum, honest admissions, real student support, and a clear mission it actually upholds. In other words, an accredited school has agreed to be held to a standard by someone outside its own walls year after year.
Who is NACCAS, and what are they really looking for?
NACCAS reviews schools across 10 areas of specialized education, from qualified instructional staff and administrative services to student support and a thorough admissions process. But there’s one thing they look for that we’ve always loved: a genuine mission. NACCAS asks each school to publish a mission statement and then prove it lives up to it. Ask the school to assess its own performance against its stated goals and use what it learns to keep improving.
You can read the full NACCAS Standards & Criteria if you’d like the details, but the spirit of it is simple: NACCAS looks for schools that genuinely care about their students’ success.
That resonates with us. Evergreen has been part of the Washington beauty community for over 30 years, and our mission has remained the same: if you’ve ever dreamed of a career in the beauty industry, we can help you turn that dream into a reality. That’s not marketing language; it’s the reason the doors are open.
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Turning Dreams Into Realities
You may find that you’re drawn to cosmetology, hair design, or makeup artistry, or you may not be quite sure; our goal is to help you navigate your next steps. What sets us apart isn’t the accreditation itself, or the awards on the wall: it’s the culture that earned them. At Evergreen, you can chase your dream inside a supportive, family environment. The Trieu family, who own the college, care deeply about the success of every single student, and that care shows up in every corner of campus life. It’s a difference you’ll feel and, we think, come to love.
The Evergreen Beauty College Difference
Our goal isn’t only to teach you beauty techniques; it’s to help you discover the beauty you might not yet see in yourself. We believe in paying it forward, and that spirit gets passed from one class of students to the next.
Three simple pillars guide us: Believe, Belong, and Become. We see the potential in every student who walks in, and we’ll welcome you into a family atmosphere of people who share your goals and will cheer you on. Come as you are and become the person you always knew you could be.
Does accreditation affect your financial aid?
Yes, this is one of the most practical reasons accreditation matters. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes NACCAS, and that recognition is part of what allows accredited schools to take part in federal student aid programs. So if you’re planning to apply for federal financial aid, attending an accredited school is usually a requirement. At Evergreen Beauty College, financial aid is available to those who qualify, and our team is happy to walk you through your options.
How can you tell if a school is accredited?
You don’t have to take anyone’s word for it; you can check for yourself in a few minutes. The most reliable way is to look a school up directly through NACCAS, which publishes a searchable list of the schools it accredits. You can also simply ask a school which agency accredits it, and confirm that the U.S. Department of Education recognizes the agency. A few things worth confirming: that the accreditation is current, and that the specific campus and program you’re interested in are included. If a school is cagey about who accredits it, that’s your cue to look a little closer.
See the Difference for Yourself
As you take the next steps, here’s our honest suggestion: do a little research. Compare a few schools, ask each one about accreditation, and then see us in person.
Schedule a campus tour or request more information; we’re here when you’re ready. Anyone hoping to begin a career in beauty will be glad they found us. You can also explore our Cosmetology program and learn more about financial aid options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NACCAS stand for?
NACCAS stands for the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. It’s the primary accrediting agency for cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and barbering programs, and the U.S. Department of Education recognizes it.
Are all cosmetology schools accredited?
No. Accreditation is voluntary, so not every school has it. Because accreditation affects financial aid eligibility and confirms a school meets recognized standards, it’s worth checking a school’s status before you enroll.
Does accreditation affect financial aid?
Yes. Students generally need to attend an accredited school to be eligible to apply for federal financial aid, because the accreditor’s recognition by the U.S. Department of Education is part of what allows a school to participate in federal aid programs.
How do I check if a beauty school is accredited?
Look the school up through NACCAS, which publishes a searchable list of accredited schools. You can also ask the school which agency accredits it and confirm that the U.S. Department of Education recognizes the agency.
Does it matter if my cosmetology school is accredited when I apply for a license?
Your state board sets licensing requirements, but accredited programs are built around standards designed to help prepare you for those requirements. Always confirm your state’s specific rules with your state licensing board.
Is Evergreen Beauty College accredited?
Yes. Evergreen Beauty College is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and has served students across Washington State for over 30 years.
