Beauty & Barber Schools in Boise, Idaho: Aveda Alternatives, Costs & Programs (2026)
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
April 11, 2026
There is no Aveda Institute in Boise. Your best options are Paul Mitchell ($16,360) and Nathan Layne ($19,559). Idaho requires 2,000 hours — one of the highest in the U.S.
If you are searching for "Aveda school Boise" or "barber school Boise," you are not alone — these are among the most-searched beauty education queries in Idaho. But here is the important thing to know upfront: there is no Aveda Institute in Boise.
If you are searching for "Aveda school Boise" or "barber school Boise," you are not alone — these are among the most-searched beauty education queries in Idaho. But here is the important thing to know upfront: there is no Aveda Institute in Boise.
The nearest Aveda locations are in Seattle, Minneapolis, and other out-of-state cities. If you want to stay in Idaho, here are your actual options.
Beauty School Options in Boise, Idaho
| School | Location | Tuition | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell The School | Boise / Coeur d'Alene | $16,360 | Cosmetology, Barbering |
| Nathan Layne Institute | Chubbuck (Pocatello area) | $19,559 | Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nails |
| Local barber schools | Boise area | Varies | Barbering |
Paul Mitchell Boise is the most established option in the Treasure Valley. Nathan Layne serves eastern Idaho from its Chubbuck campus.
Idaho's 2,000-Hour Requirement
Idaho requires 2,000 clock hours for a cosmetology license — one of the highest requirements in the entire country. For context:
- Florida: 1,200 hours
- New York: 1,000 hours
- California: 1,600 hours
- Ohio/Texas: 1,500 hours
- Idaho: 2,000 hours
This means your program will take approximately 16–18 months full-time. It also means Idaho cosmetologists have more training than licensees in most other states.
Barbering in Idaho requires 900 hours — significantly less, and a faster path to a chair.
Paul Mitchell Boise: $16,360
Paul Mitchell's Boise-area campus (shared with Coeur d'Alene) charges $16,360 — below the Paul Mitchell national average of $17,851. You get the Paul Mitchell brand, product training, and FUNraising culture at a below-average price for the chain.
Nathan Layne Institute: $19,559
Nathan Layne is eastern Idaho's primary cosmetology school, located in Chubbuck near Pocatello. At $19,559, it is more expensive than Paul Mitchell Boise but serves students who cannot make the 230-mile drive to Boise. It covers cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology.
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Try the Calculator →Barber Schools in Boise
Barbering is a growing career path, and Boise has limited dedicated barber programs. Idaho's 900-hour barbering requirement means you can be licensed in about 8–10 months. Check Paul Mitchell Boise for barbering availability, or search for standalone barber schools in the area on GradeToGrad.
Financial Aid in Idaho
- Pell Grant: Up to $7,395/year
- Idaho Opportunity Scholarship: Up to $3,500 for residents with 2.7+ GPA and financial need
- Both Paul Mitchell and Nathan Layne are accredited and eligible for federal aid
Career Outlook
- BLS cosmetologist median salary (national): $43,460/year
- BLS barber median salary: $38,600/year
- Idaho salaries may be slightly lower than national medians, but cost of living is also lower
The Bottom Line
If you want beauty school in Boise, Paul Mitchell at $16,360 is your best established option. If you are in eastern Idaho, Nathan Layne at $19,559 serves the Pocatello area. And if you specifically want Aveda training, the nearest institutes are out of state.
Compare Idaho beauty schools on GradeToGrad.