Muse Cosmetic Institute

Muse Cosmetic Institute is an esthetics school in Charlotte. The school states that its goal is hands-on training that prepares students to become state-licensed estheticians, and it is described as accredited through North Carolina Cosmetic Arts. The school calls itself Charlotte's number one school of esthetics; this is the school's own claim.

The core esthetics program runs 600 hours, including 180 hours of online study. Students practice in person on microneedling, dermaplaning, brow lamination, lash lifts, European and back facials, chemical peels, deep peels, enzyme peels, microdermabrasion, high-frequency and LED treatments, facial and body waxing, makeup, cluster lash application, and lash and brow tinting. An advanced track adds luxury facials, microneedling and dermaplaning, along with work using professional-grade products.

Students can choose a full-time program of 16 weeks, a part-time program of 20 weeks, or a night program of 7 months. Each follows a similar pattern: Monday theory is held on Zoom, and the in-person training runs Tuesday through Thursday, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM for full-time, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM for part-time, and 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM for nights. Esthetics program start dates in 2027 are January 4, March 1 and April 26. Applicants must be at least 16, provide a valid ID and a Social Security number or ITIN, and a high school diploma is not required.

Tuition is $9,000 for full-time, $10,000 for part-time and $11,000 for nights. The school lists payment plans of $937.50 biweekly or $468 weekly for full-time, $850 biweekly or $425 weekly for part-time, and $678.50 biweekly or $339 weekly for nights. A $150 registration fee, which is non-refundable, and a $1,500 down payment are due up front. Tuition includes e-books and a starter kit. The State Board exam costs $168 and is paid directly to the testing company, and the $20 NC State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners licensing fee is not included in tuition.

The school operates a spa clinic on Wednesdays and Thursdays, where students perform skincare services under the supervision of licensed instructors. Daytime hours are 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM with the last client at 3:00 PM, and evening hours are 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM with the last client at 8:00 PM. Spa services can be booked online and are paid by card only, with a non-optional processing fee added. Student cash tips are accepted, and the clinic does not keep cash on hand.

Additional courses include 8 annual CE hours for licensed estheticians, microblading and permanent makeup training, State Board exam preparation for graduates, and a training path for licensed cosmetologists moving into esthetics. Short hands-on courses include a one-day Brazilian wax course for $250 and a one-day full-body speed waxing course for $350, both for licensed cosmetologists and estheticians and both without a kit. A four-day microshading course costs $3,000, requires no license, and includes a student kit, supplies and lunch on day one.

The school's stated focus is hands-on training that prepares students to pass state licensing and work as professionals.