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PCI Academy-Ames
Ames, Iowa · Private for-profit career school
Address: 309 Kitty Hawk Dr., Ames, IA 50010 · Phone: (515) 337-2907 · School website ↗ · Verify on College Scorecard ↗
No accreditor sanctions in the last 36 months
PCI Academy-Ames is a private for-profit trade school in Ames, Iowa offering esthetician, cosmetology, and massage therapy programs, accredited by NACCAS.
PCI Academy-Ames has a 76.6% completion rate, above the Iowa state average of 63.6%, with median graduate debt of $5,828 and median earnings of $31,330 ten years after entry, per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Annual cost of attendance at PCI Academy-Ames is $26,029, federal financial aid is accepted, and 34.1% of students receive Pell Grants.
What these trades pay once you're working
| Occupation | Starting (10th pct) | Median | Experienced (75th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skincare specialists | $22,830 | $37,080 | $50,060 |
| Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists | $26,650 | $35,700 | $48,580 |
| Massage therapists | $37,560 | $57,710 | $76,090 |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wages for everyone employed in the occupation in Iowa (May 2025; national where the state figure is not published). The program table below shows what this campus's own graduates earned in their first year, whatever job they took.
Trade programs at this campus
| Program | Credential | Grads / yr | Earnings, yr 1 | Earnings, yr 2 | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 61 | $24,853 | $24,035 | $6,333 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 2–4 years | 34 | $24,853 | $24,035 | $6,333 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 9 | not reported | not reported | $5,827 |
Earnings are median wages and self-employment income reported to the IRS (W-2 and Schedule SE) for graduates who received federal aid and were working and not enrolled, measured in the calendar year after finishing. They are pay only: health insurance, retirement contributions and other benefits are not included.
Graduates per year from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey. Earnings and debt are College Scorecard field-of-study medians for graduates of this program at this campus (reported at the 4-digit program level, so closely related programs share a figure); "not reported" means too few graduates were counted to publish a figure.
About this school
PCI Academy-Ames is a private for-profit trade school located in Ames, Iowa, accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and eligible for federal financial aid (Title IV). The campus is best known for its esthetician programs, followed by cosmetology and massage therapy training, with 104 trade program completers reported out of an undergraduate enrollment of 176.
Federal data shows a completion rate of 76.6%, above the Iowa state average of 63.6%. Graduates carry a median debt of $5,828, and median earnings 10 years after entry are reported at $31,330. The annual cost of attendance is listed at $26,029, and 34.1% of students receive Pell Grants, a common marker of financial need among the student body.
This campus may suit students interested in short, hands-on beauty and wellness trade programs rather than multi-year academic degrees, given its concentration in esthetician, cosmetology, and massage therapy training. Program length details are not reported for this campus in federal data, so prospective students should confirm schedules directly with the school. To verify accreditation status and review the latest outcome figures, contact PCI Academy-Ames directly or consult the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
Questions students ask
What trade and career programs does this campus offer?
PCI Academy-Ames offers esthetician, cosmetology, and massage therapy programs, with esthetician training being the largest by enrollment.
Is this school accredited, and by whom?
Yes, the school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).
Can I use federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) at this school?
Yes, this school participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, and 34.1% of its students receive Pell Grants.
What share of students finish their program here, and how does that compare to the state?
The completion rate is 76.6%, which is above the Iowa state average of 63.6%.
How much debt do graduates of this school typically carry?
Graduates carry a median debt of $5,828, according to federal data.
What do graduates of this school earn?
Median earnings 10 years after entry are reported at $31,330.
How much does it cost to attend for a year?
The reported annual cost of attendance is $26,029.
Is this a public, non-profit, or for-profit school, and why does that matter?
PCI Academy-Ames is a private for-profit school, which can affect tuition levels and financial aid options compared to public institutions.
How long do the programs here take to complete?
Program length is not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school at (515) 337-2907 or visit its website for details.
How do I verify this school's accreditation and outcomes myself?
You can verify accreditation through NACCAS and review outcome data on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard at the provided link.
Is this school a good fit for an adult changing careers?
The school's focus on esthetician, cosmetology, and massage therapy programs may appeal to those seeking hands-on training, though specific program lengths and scheduling details are not reported here; check with the school directly.
How do I contact the school or apply?
You can contact PCI Academy-Ames at (515) 337-2907 or visit https://www.pci-academy.com/ for application details.
How does this campus compare with other schools offering the same trade nearby?
Comparative data with nearby schools is not reported in this dataset; check the College Scorecard at https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?154208 for comparisons.
Data: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey; College Scorecard June 2026; Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), September 2026. Figures are the U.S. Department of Education's official measures, not Career Training Path's opinion. Tuition, schedules and program availability change — confirm with the school before enrolling.