What Is It Known For?
Students looking for hands-on beauty training often come across the California College of Barbering and Cosmetology, a school that has been shaping new barbers and stylists since 2015. Owned by CAL CBC, LLC, the campus teaches a little over 200 learners each year.
Because the coursework is built around Redken and O.P.I products, students spend their training period working with brands widely used in salons. That approach is supported by lessons taught with professional tools and by visits from skilled guest artists who share techniques they use on actual clients.
Degrees & Certifications
At the California College of Barbering and Cosmetology, students earn diplomas in the following beauty and grooming programs:
- Barbering: 1200 hours (10 months)
- Cosmetology: 1500 hours (10 months)
- Esthetics: 600 hours (six months)
- Manicuring: 600 hours (24 weeks)
Licensed barbers and cosmetologists can shorten their path with crossover options, which range from 200 to 300 hours.
Class Schedules
Barbering and Cosmetology students at the California College of Barbering and Cosmetology attend classes Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
Esthetics students can study during the day from Monday to Thursday (9:00 am – 3:00 pm) or take evening classes from Monday to Friday (5:00 pm – 10:00 pm). Manicuring runs only in the evenings on weekdays.
Each student receives an iPad to help them review lessons from home for parts of the coursework. Programs do not include clinical externships.
Is It a Good School?
The California College of Barbering and Cosmetology holds accreditation from the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and is licensed to operate in California through the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Acceptance Rate
The school has a 100 percent acceptance rate for anyone who meets the basic requirements.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition costs at the California College of Barbering and Cosmetology include:
- Barbering: $22,100
- Cosmetology: $25,900
- Esthetics: $11,800
- Manicuring: $11,600
The school currently does not have a net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
- Barbering
- Esthetician
Campus Locations
Stockton 1024 East March Lane Stockton CA 95210
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the California College of Barbering and Cosmetology (CAL CBC) is highly regarded by clients for the quality of student services, and by students for the quality of instruction and post-graduation support. However, there are notable criticisms regarding administrative priorities and strict policies.
Overall Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Service from Students: Clients consistently praise the “wonderful” service, “professionalism,” and technical skills of the student stylists, barbers, and estheticians. Reviewers highly recommend specific students for cuts, coloring, styling, and facials.
Knowledgeable and Supportive Instructors: Instructors are frequently called “amazing,” “knowledgeable,” “very helpful,” and “genuinely nice people.” Specific instructors are lauded for creating a “lively and engaging” and “safe place” for learning.
Post-Graduation Support: A major unique strength is the administrative support offered after graduation, specifically helping students set up and navigate the State Board licensing process.
Positive and Engaging Environment: Students emphasize the “great environment” and “amazing atmosphere,” noting a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration among students and staff. The facility itself is described as “clean” and “beautiful.”
Quality Curriculum: The school is recognized for specializing in industry-leading techniques and products (like Redken), preparing students for what they will encounter in professional salons.
Common Criticisms
Administrative Priorities over Students: One serious criticism states that the administration “care nothing about the students” and instead prioritize internal clicks or relationships over students’ education.
Strict Attendance and Policy Enforcement: The school is described as “very strict with hours.” One client review and a student review mention being penalized for tardiness, suggesting a rigid enforcement of clock-in/out policies that led to refused service or being sent home.
Unverified Allegations of Theft and Poor Staff: One detailed, but isolated, critical review (from three years ago) mentions “horrible things” happening at the school, including allegations of students’ money being stolen from purses and newly graduated students being hired as teachers who were ineffective.
Mandatory Cleaning Duties: A student complaint notes that the school makes students do the cleaning, laundry, etc., which is framed as being excessively strict alongside the hour requirements.
Pricing and Noise: Minor complaints include one client (who identifies as American Black) questioning the flat rate pricing for short vs. long hair, and one local resident complaining about a “beeping sound” from the back of the building.
Momentum
The vast majority of reviews are highly positive and recent, with many posted within the last two to five months, demonstrating a strong, sustained positive client experience and a high level of student satisfaction with the instructors and quality of service. The most serious criticisms (theft, poor admin) are older (2-3 years ago) and appear to be isolated incidents or unverified claims. The continued influx of 5-star reviews from both clients and current students indicates the school successfully provides excellent training and service, outweighing the impact of the administrative and policy issues cited.