Beautiful Careers Start Here

Mankato
Rochester
Woodbury

3 BEAUTY SCHOOL LOCATIONS IN MINNESOTA

Start your journey towards a successful future in the beauty industry with Nova Academy of Cosmetology. Our three academy’s provide exceptional beauty education and training, empowering our students with the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel as leading professionals in the beauty industry.

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WHY NOVA ACADEMY OF COSMETOLOGY?

Nova Academy of Cosmetology offers an outstanding reputation, experienced instructors, and comprehensive curriculum. With a focus on hands-on training, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive learning environment, students can be confident that they will receive the education and preparation needed for a successful career in the beauty industry.
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UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

Attending beauty school at Nova Academy of Cosmetology offers a platform for unleashing your creativity, allowing you to explore and experiment with diverse techniques in hair, skin and nails.

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REAL WORLD KNOWLEDGE

We pride ourselves on offering Prosper U and Beauty as a Business programs, providing our students with comprehensive training not only in technical skills but also in essential business knowledge, enabling them to thrive as well-rounded beauty professionals in the industry.

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AFFORDABILITY & OUTCOMES

Nova Academy of Cosmetology becomes an affordable option for those who qualify thanks to the availability of federal financial aid and self-loans. Nova takes pride in our placement rates and has a high number of graduates who go on to pursue successful careers in their field of choice.

WHAT OUR ALUMNI SAY ABOUT NOVA

Advanced Practice Esthetics Grad
Grad Date: 05/13/2025

I would definitely recommend Nova Academy to anyone looking to go into the esthetics industry. The instructors are so kind and knowledgeable, and my favorite part was seeing real results in my clients’ skin! – Sam H.

Cosmetology Grad
Grad Date: 07/03/2025

I enjoyed every part of my program. Whenever I wanted to learn more, the instructors took extra time with me outside of class. I absolutely recommend Nova. – Amber L.

Nail Technology Grad
Grad Date: 02/14/2025

Nova helped me grow my artistic skills and confidence. My peers and instructors were incredibly supportive, and I’m excited to build my career in the industry! – Maya M.

Esthiology Grad
Grad Date: 06/26/2024

The people made this program special. Staff and classmates were so caring and fun, and the hands-on experience prepared me for what’s next. – Hannah H.

Eyelash Technician Grad
Grad Date: 04/01/2025

Smaller class sizes gave me one-on-one time with my instructor, which made a huge difference. I plan to open my own lash studio. – Aliyah D.

Advanced Practice Esthetics Combo Grad
Grad Date: 05/07/2025

I learned so much and built relationships I’ll keep forever. The instructors truly care and helped me grow professionally and personally. – Taylor C.

Cosmetology Grad
Grad Date: 06/24/2025

My experience was everything I hoped it would be. The curriculum and instructors were amazing — I strongly recommend Nova! – Alexis M.

Nail Technology Grad
Grad Date: 06/17/2025

Even though English isn’t my first language, everyone helped me and made me feel included. Nova is welcoming and supportive. – True N.

Esthiology Grad
Grad Date: 06/16/2022

The hands-on training at Nova gave me confidence. I learned what I love and feel prepared to work in a med spa. – Makenzie M.

Cosmetology Grad
Grad Date: 08/26/2025

I loved every minute at Nova. The instructors were incredibly supportive, and I made lifelong friendships. – Emily K.

Excellent
Nova Academy of Cosmetology4.7
Based on 1138 reviews
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Jose Duque
2 days ago
This is not school to learn , they put the students to work without knowing what to do. neither teachers know what to do.
Olga Perkerwicz
2 days ago
A positive experience!
Sarah Love
2 days ago
I had a great experience with the student Inwas given. You get what you oay for however as some services he was not well trained so the experience was a bit lacking.
Brenda Hamlin-Lehmann
3 days ago
Mackena M. was so worried about my hair when it was creamier than I wanted. But it turned out perfect, and I knew what it was going to be until it had been washed a few times. She is sweet, and she does a VERY GOOD job. I am seeing her again on the 29th for my monthly haircut. If you want a caring student to do your hair and ensure you are happy, she is the best
Maryann Payne
4 days ago
Charlotte is exceptional
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words about Charlotte. We appreciate your review and look forward to welcoming you back.
Payton Omdahl
4 days ago
I got my hair dyed by Emma and she did such a good job, I love how it turned out. I will be coming back to her! Thank you for the great service!
Nisha_bh
5 days ago
I had an amazing experience with Katie! She was incredibly patient, listened carefully to exactly what I wanted, and was extremely thorough and precise with her work. You could really tell that she takes pride in what she does and genuinely cares about making sure her clients are happy. Nina, the teacher, was also absolutely amazing! Both Katie and Nina were knowledgeable, professional, and clearly knew exactly what they were doing. I felt completely confident in their hands and was so happy with the experience. I honestly can’t recommend Katie and Nina enough! If you’re looking for someone who is skilled, attentive, and truly cares about their work, definitely go see them!
Greg Palank
6 days ago
McKenna did an excellent job on my nails. She also knows when to talk and when to listen. She has the insight to be a great entrepreneur someday.
Janeha Edwards
1 week ago
Very welcoming, and professional. They also give me good information and I always learn something. All in all a fun and satisfying experience. 🥰🥰🥰
Thomas Racine
1 week ago
E.J. did an excellent job on my facial this afternoon.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about E.J. He did an excellent job, and we're glad you had a positive experience. We appreciate your support and invite you to visit us again.
Jill Hill
1 week ago
Mascoline Swartz
1 week ago
Nova academy is a school of great potential and the service is great. The staff and students are friendly and they know what they are expected to do, they also have good product knowledge.
Mary Koenig
2 weeks ago
Morgan and the supervisor were amazing. Best school I’ve been to. Very well run!!!
Luz Anzaldo
2 weeks ago
Pleasant experience. Everyone is very welcoming and friendly.
Diane Kass
2 weeks ago
I saw Penelope for a lash lift & tint today and she was phenomenal. My lashes look the best they ever have and it was so relaxing I fell asleep. She was so meticulous and a perfectionist so when I first opened my eyes after the treatment there was no remaining glue or stickiness. IYKYK.
Lenore Wruck
2 weeks ago
Yesterday, with 2 other friends we visited Nova. I had a hair cut. I wish I had gotten the name of the lady that did it; It was above the mirror and stared with an S; II was around 10: 30. I have paid over $100 for hair cuts; This lady did the best I have ever paid for. and at only $20. Whenever our bus heads to Nova I will be on it. A few months ago I had a pedicure which also, a great job. But I don't see my toes every time I look in the mirror
John
2 weeks ago
Great Service and Great Prices!
Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our service and prices. We appreciate your business and invite you back to visit us again.
Judy Hoppe
2 weeks ago
Did a fantastic job, very pleased with the outcome
Patrick McGowan
2 weeks ago
Amazing experience once again. Kudos to their instructor leadership. They create an environment of learning. and mentoring to bring up the next generation of professionals. I highly respect the culture that they’ve created and am proud to support
Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our instructor leadership and the learning environment we strive to create. We appreciate your support of the culture we’ve built and invite you to return.
Heather Soucheray
2 weeks ago
Very salon/spa like lobby. Clean and bright. My service was done by Belinda. The service was great and as expected. Belinda was a little shy in the beginning but warmed up and chatted during the appointment. As she gains more confidence Belinda will be great! I will be going back.
Julie Schultz
2 weeks ago
The student who completed my dermaplaning did a wonderful job!
Response from the owner:Thank you for noting that the student did a wonderful job. We appreciate your kind words and invite you to visit us again.
Griselda Serrano
2 weeks ago
Jill Larson
2 weeks ago
Penelope did an AMAZING job on my lash lift and tint! She explained the process as she went along which helped me to understand what was going on. Her professionalism and knowledge of other lash/brow treatments gave me the confidence to come back in the near future to try other services.
Angel M.
2 weeks ago
This place is amazing! Prices are all well justified and worth it with the amazing instructors guiding students when needed and the overall great atmosphere and environment! Ahtziri was a life changer I went from no haircare or maintanence to a full routine and haircut that gets compliments DAILY! It's made my life really 180 in terms of confidence and she was really friendly and knowledgable giving my clueless self a great direction in style!
Lori DeWitte
2 weeks ago
I just had my eyebrows and lip line waxed and a facial done by Danyella DeWitte and it was very relaxing. She did a fabulous job and very meticulous! I also had my arm pits waxed as well for the first time 🥴, wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be and she made it feel less painful by just letting you know up front what you could expect. Overall had a great experience. Looking forward to going back to her on other things they have available!! Lori

GET INSPIRED

Face, neck + décolleté ✨

Taking microneedling beyond the jawline with the Dr. Pen to support collagen, smooth texture, and give the skin that fresh, healthy glow.
Your neck + chest deserve the skincare too 🤍

DM or click the link in bio to book your next treatment 💌

#MNEsthetician #MinnesotaEsthetician #MicroneedlingMN #TwinCitiesEsthetician #AdvancedEsthetics
nova_academy_woodbury

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Face, neck + décolleté ✨ Taking microneedling beyond the jawline with the Dr. Pen to support collagen, smooth texture, and give the skin that fresh, healthy glow. Your neck + chest deserve the skincare too 🤍 DM or click the link in bio to book your next treatment 💌 #MNEsthetician #MinnesotaEsthetician #MicroneedlingMN #TwinCitiesEsthetician #AdvancedEsthetics nova_academy_woodbury

Soft, sweet, and slayed. 🤍🎀 A classic French moment with a little extra love. 💅🏾✨

Would you wear this set? Drop a 🤍 if it’s a YES — and save this for your next nail inspo!

#SlayjahNails #FrenchTipNails #NailInspo #StPaulNailTech #MinnesotaNails

7 0
Open post by with ID 17954399901017674
Soft, sweet, and slayed. 🤍🎀 A classic French moment with a little extra love. 💅🏾✨ Would you wear this set? Drop a 🤍 if it’s a YES — and save this for your next nail inspo! #SlayjahNails #FrenchTipNails #NailInspo #StPaulNailTech #MinnesotaNails

HAPPENINGS

Classes Start Soon

Next Class Starts In…
2026/09/21 00:15:33

Class Start Dates

2026 Class Start Dates

Cosmetology, Esthiology,
Advanced Practice Esthetics-Combined, APE (500hr)

  • January 12 (Monday)
  • March 9 (Monday)
  • May 4 (Monday)
  • July 6 (Monday)
  • August 31 (Monday)
  • October 26 (Monday)

Nail & Lash Technology

  • February 2 (Monday)
  • March 30 (Monday)
  • May 26 (Tuesday)
  • July 27 (Monday)
  • September 21 (Monday)
  • November 16 (Monday)

Instructor Training

By appointment. Please contact an Admissions Leader.