Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology Review: $19,559 Tuition, Idaho Programs (2026)

Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology is eastern Idaho's go-to beauty school, located in Chubbuck — a small city adjacent to Pocatello in southeastern Idaho. If you live east of Boise and want to become a licensed cosmetologist without relocating, this is likely your primary option.

Quick Facts

• Location: Chubbuck, Idaho (Pocatello metro area)
• Tuition: $19,559
• Programs: Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology
• Hours required: 2,000 (Idaho cosmetology requirement)
• Duration: Approximately 16–18 months full-time

Idaho's 2,000-Hour Requirement

Idaho demands 2,000 clock hours for a cosmetology license — among the highest in the nation. This makes Idaho programs longer and more expensive than comparable programs in neighboring states. On the positive side, Idaho-trained cosmetologists often exceed the licensing requirements of other states if they choose to relocate.

Tuition: $19,559

At just under $20,000, Nathan Layne is more expensive than Paul Mitchell Boise ($16,360) but in line with Aveda Institutes nationally ($19,000–$22,150). The cost reflects Idaho's longer program hours — more hours means more instruction time, more facility costs, and more materials.

Budget an additional $1,000–$2,000 for supplies, kits, and state board exam fees.

Financial Aid

Nathan Layne is accredited and eligible for federal financial aid:

• Pell Grant: Up to $7,395/year — covers about 38% of tuition
• Idaho Opportunity Scholarship: Up to $3,500/year for qualifying residents
• Combined: Pell + Idaho Opportunity could cover up to $10,895 — more than half the tuition

Who It Serves

Nathan Layne draws students from a wide geographic area: Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Blackfoot, and surrounding rural communities. For many of these students, the alternative is a 4+ hour drive to Boise for Paul Mitchell or leaving the state entirely.

Career Outlook

• BLS cosmetologist median salary: $43,460/year nationally
• Job growth: 7% (2023–2033)
• Idaho market: Smaller but growing, particularly in the Boise metro. Eastern Idaho salaries may be lower but cost of living is very low.

Top earners with established client bases and specializations (color, extensions, bridal) can earn $50,000+ anywhere in Idaho.

Nathan Layne vs. Paul Mitchell Boise

	Nathan Layne	Paul Mitchell Boise
Tuition	$19,559	$16,360
Location	Chubbuck (eastern ID)	Boise (western ID)
Brand recognition	Local	National
Program hours	2,000	2,000
Distance from Pocatello	5 min	230 miles

If you live in eastern Idaho, the $3,200 savings at Paul Mitchell does not justify a 230-mile commute or relocation. Nathan Layne is the practical choice for eastern Idaho students.

Is Nathan Layne Worth It?

For eastern Idaho students, yes. It is your realistic local option, the tuition is competitive with national chains, and Idaho's 2,000-hour training gives you more preparation than cosmetologists in most other states. The main question is whether the $19,559 price tag is worth it versus a community college option — but Idaho has limited community college cosmetology programs in the eastern part of the state.

Find more Idaho beauty schools on GradeToGrad.