Mason Anthony

Mason Anthony was founded in 2018 by Larissa, who serves as founder and CEO. The school started with six students and moved to a larger campus as enrollment grew. The current campus covers about 40,000 square feet and was converted from a set of former office buildings.

The school aims to provide thorough training that prepares students to enter the industry immediately. Its approach rests on four values: character, strength, intelligence and style. Accreditation comes from the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board, the State Medical Board of Ohio, and NACCAS, which stands for the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. The school describes itself as one of Columbus's leading cosmetology schools, and says its programs are among the most affordable in central Ohio.

The student salon and spa is open to the public. Services are performed by students and closely supervised by licensed professionals, and offerings include haircuts, color, styling, facial waxing, skincare, and basic and gel manicures and pedicures. The school states that all student salon services are $45 or less. Prospective students can take a virtual tour or arrange an in-person visit to walk the building and meet instructors.

Program lengths and costs vary. Advanced Cosmetology is 1,800 hours, taking about one year full-time or about a year and a half on the part-time day schedule, and costs $11,995 after the Mason Anthony In-State Grant. Esthetics is 600 hours and costs $9,995 after its grant. Massage Therapy is 600 hours, taking about seven to eight months on the part-time day schedule, and costs $7,895 after a $3,000 grant. Manicuring is a 200-hour, state-approved course.

Tuition payments are processed by Tuition Finance Company as a third-party processor, and the loan is with Mason Anthony School. The school offers in-house financing and shares loan eligibility information during tours. It recommends paying by electronic check rather than card, since card payments may incur fees. Students receive a professional kit and train from the Milady textbook and workbook. Additional fees may apply to students who enroll within 30 days of a program start date.

Students combine classroom theory with clinical work and see clients in a salon-style setting from the start of their program.

A converted office campus of about 40,000 square feet, with a working student salon open to the public.