Launch Into Your
Cosmetology Degree with GCC
Begin your education journey to becoming a Registered Nurse.
Fly Into Your
Cosmetic Career
Gila Community College’s Cosmetology Program, offered at our Payson and Globe campuses, prepares students for creative and rewarding careers in the beauty industry. Students gain hands-on training and industry-relevant skills to work in salons, spas, nail studios, or even launch their own businesses.
The program offers flexible options to meet students’ career goals, including a Certificate in Nail Technician, a Certificate in Cosmetology, and an Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology. Students attending the program will earn credits that can be applied toward a certificate or degree in the field of cosmetology, provided they pass all classes and clear any outstanding college-related debt. Classes are structured to satisfy the 1,500 hours of training required to qualify for the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam.
These programs are designed to equip graduates with the technical expertise and professional knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive cosmetology field. Admission to the Cosmetology Program requires a separate application, and class sizes are limited. Early advising and planning are strongly encouraged to ensure a smooth path to enrollment, certification, and licensure.
Select Average Salary Statistics*
*2023 national pay, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Annual Wage for Cosmetologists
Median Annual Wage for Nail Technicians
Cosmetology Average Base
Hourly Pay
Nail Technician Average Base
Hourly Pay
Cosmetology Program
Hair Styling
Available Degrees & Certificates
Payson offers a four-semester Cosmetology program that starts new cohorts each Fall.
Fall semester starts August 18th , 2025, and ends December 11th , 2025.
Class Times: Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Students attending the program will earn credits that can be applied to a certificate or a degree in the field of cosmetology, if they pass all classes and ensure they remove any debt they have associated with the college. Classes meet to satisfy the 1,500 hours training necessary to qualify for the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam. Students can contact the front office at 928.468.8039 for more information. They can ask for me, Sarah Owens, by phone or by email sarah.owens@gilacc.org .
Gila Pueblo Campus offers both full-time and part-time Cosmetology programs that start new cohorts each Fall.
Full-Time students attend three semesters.
Class Times: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Part-Time students attend four semesters.
Class Times: Monday-Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Fall semester starts August 18th , 2025, and will run until December 11th , 2025.
Students attending the program will earn credits that can be applied to a certificate or a degree in the field of cosmetology, if they pass all classes and ensure they remove any debt they have associated with the college. Classes meet to satisfy the 1,500 hours training necessary to qualify for the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam. Students interested in the program can ask for Sara Brewer or Alison Zache by phone at 928.793.3090 or by email at sara.brewer@gilacc.org or alison.zache@gilacc.org
Payson Campus offers a four-semester Hairstyling program that starts new cohorts each Fall.
Fall semester for adults starts August 18th, 2025, and ends December 11th , 2025.
Fall semester for NAVIT starts July 28th, 2025
Class Times: Monday-Friday 7:00a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Students attending the program will earn credits that can be applied to a certificate of proficiency if they pass all classes and ensure they remove any debt they have associated with the college. Students will earn credits that can be applied to a future Cosmetology Certificate/Degree if they so choose. Classes meet to satisfy the 1,000 hours training necessary to qualify for the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology Hairstyling licensing exam. Students can contact the front office at 928.468.8039 for more information. They can ask for me, Sarah Owens, by phone or by email sarah.owens@gilacc.org .
Gila Pueblo Campus offers a two-semester Nail Technician program that starts new cohorts each Fall.
Fall semester starts August 18th , 2025, and ends December 11th , 2025.
Class Times: Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Students attending the program qualify for a certificate of proficiency if they pass all classes and ensure they remove any debt they have associated with the college. Students will earn credits that can be applied to a Nail Technician Certificate. Students can also apply earned credits towards a Cosmetology Certificate/Degree if they so choose. Classes meet to satisfy the 600 hours training necessary to qualify for the Arizona State Board of Nail Technician licensing exam. Students interested in the program can ask for Sara Brewer or Alison Zache by phone at 928.793.3090 or by email at sara.brewer@gilacc.org or alison.zache@gilacc.org .