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Merrell University is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, Alexandria, VA, and approved by the United States Department of Education for many state and federal financial assistance programs. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be completed online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

Merrell University Scholarship: Merrell University offers a yearly Scholarship to each area high school. The Scholarship amounts are $1,000 for Esthetics and a $1,000 for Cosmetology, and each is non-renewable. One Scholarship is awarded per high school. In order to be eligible, the candidate must be at least 17 years of age at the time of enrollment, be of good moral character and demonstrated such in high school. Candidates should be in the upper 50 % of their graduating class and indicate an interest in Cosmetology and/or Esthetics. The high school and Merrell University choose the recipients jointly. Please check your high school counselor’s office for an application.

COSMETOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: Click here to download a copy of this application form.

ESTHETICS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: Click here to download a copy of this application form.

Currently, there are many exciting and positive creative career options in cosmetology and esthetics.

The salon industry has continuously shown solid growth. The 2007 NACCAS Job Demand Survey results indicate that salons in Missouri plan to hire approximately 7,500 new employees in a twelve month time span. The average annual salary for a salon professional in Missouri is $30,358. This amount does not include tips and gratuities. Nationally, the average salon professional’s salary is $35,973.  Most importantly, 74 percent of Missouri salon owners who attempted to hire new employees said they were unable to find properly-trained applicants. This means that jobs would be immediately available for salon professionals.

Today, the professional salon industry continues to offer terrific new employment opportunities to qualified job seekers. Whether it is to launch a new career or to begin a mid-life career change, cosmetology offers many new opportunities.

The Professional Beauty Business is a 250 billion dollar industry domestically. This industry consists of more than one million people including hairdressers, salon owners, manufacturers, and distributors.

INDUSTRY FACTS:

There are 3 jobs waiting for every new cosmetology grad.
There's one manager needed for every six stylists.

9 out of 10 working professional hairstylists say they'll never switch careers.

At Merrell University the students learn by observing demonstrations, audio-visual aids, attending lectures on a wide range of subjects, and with actual hands-on practical techniques.
Upon completion of the course, the student will have acquired the technical abilities and academic theories that meet the requirements of the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology. After obtaining licensure, Merrell University offers assistance with job placement in an entry-level position.

Classes are held Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a 30 minute lunch period.

Prior to acceptance by the State Board of Cosmetology all applicants must complete a Student Enrollment Application. The applicant must be at least 17 years of age, and provide the following:
1. A copy of birth certificate or driver's license;
2. A copy of diploma, transcript, or GED certification;
3. An enrollment fee of $25.00 to the Department of Economic Development, Missouri State Board of Cosmetology; and
4. Two recent 2x2 current photographs.
Note: Application must be sent and the applicant must be accepted before the above criteria is needed. Please do not send above enrollment requirements with application.