New Career.
No Limits.
NOTICE TO CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Council on Occupational Education (COE) Accreditation Status
Georgia Career Institute (GCI) is committed to keeping our students and prospective students informed about matters related to our institutional accreditation.
The Council on Occupational Education (COE), GCI’s accrediting agency, has issued a Show Cause Order related to the institution’s required annual financial reporting. Specifically, GCI did not submit its audited financial statements, including notes prepared by an independent certified public accountant, and required COE financial forms for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, by the June 30, 2026, due date.
Georgia Career Institute remains accredited while this matter is being addressed. The Show Cause Order has not resulted in the loss of GCI’s accreditation. At this time, this accreditation action does not affect current students’ enrollment at GCI or their eligibility for financial aid. Students may continue their programs as scheduled.
A Show Cause Order provides the institution an opportunity to respond to COE and demonstrate why its accreditation should not be withdrawn. GCI is actively working to address the cited financial reporting requirement and submit the required response to COE within the established time frame. We take our accreditation responsibilities seriously and are committed to working through this process responsibly.
This notice is being provided in accordance with COE requirements that institutions disclose this accreditation action to all current and prospective students.
Students and prospective students who have questions regarding this notice may contact:
Joyce Meadows
President
Georgia Career Institute
jmeadows@gci.edu
(678) 750-1670
Date of Notice: August 14, 2026
Launch Your Beauty Career at GCI – A Top Cosmetology School in Georgia
Hands-On Training in Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and More
Georgia Career Institute has been an accredited cosmetology school by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education for over 30 years.
Our students are taught through real-world, authentic salon and spa experiences on state-of-the-art equipment in professional facilities. The campus is located in Conyers, GA, just outside of Atlanta.
GCI has a low teacher-student ratio with qualified educators to support students every step of the way!
Your Journey is our Priority
Cosmetology
(Everything Hair!)
With 1500 hours of training, this comprehensive curriculum breeds salon-ready Cosmetologists: graduates who are qualified to take the state board exam for a cosmetology license.
LEARN MORE
Esthetics
(Everything Skin!)
GCI prepares its students to become professionals in this booming field through the Esthetics program. Ultimately, estheticians are responsible for the care, restoration, and enhancement of humankind’s largest organ: our skin. Here, an extensive range of current skin treatments and make-up applications are taught by expert instructors.
LEARN MORE
Nail Technology
(More Than Manicures!)
This 620-hour Nail Technology program teaches the art of manicures, pedicures, nail designs, nail tips, and sculptured nail skills in a creative, collaborative setting. Overall employment in personal care and service occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. View updated projections at BLS.GOV (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
LEARN MOREFAQ:
The student-to-instructor ratio is 20 students to 1 instructor.
Yes. All programs are designed to prepare students to sit for their respective state board licensing exams.
Yes. Georgia Career Institute participates in federal student aid programs (FAFSA) and offers in-house payment plans to those students who qualify.
Yes. Graduate Services assists graduates with job placement and networking opportunities. While job placement is not guaranteed, our graduates are invited to use our graduate placement services for the duration of their career.
Yes. Once licensed, you may pursue self-employment or open your own salon or spa, following all state regulations.
An FYI About GCI
Established in 1975 as Artistic Beauty College, Georgia Career Institute now celebrates more than 50 years of education and over 30 years of national accreditation. We proudly provide our scholars with top-tier vocational preparation in Cosmetology, Nail Technology, and Esthetics.
THE MISSION STATEMENT
Georgia Career Institute provides men and women the appropriate skills they need to enter and succeed in the industries of Beauty and Wellness. Our students graduate prepared to enter the workforce and meet the demands required of them ready to perform as complete professionals. In order to accomplish our Mission, our faculty, curricula, delivery methods, support resources and facilities are developed and maintained at a level of excellence that sets us apart from others in the marketplace.
Learn More
-
Lurlean Peeples
What I loved most was the hands-on learning: learning in a professional salon atmosphere that I received during my tenure. The education department equipped me for a successful future, and also encouraged me to always reach out for guidance as needed once I was in the field.Chanteal Armstrong
I graduated in June and was licensed as of July and I can say this is one of the best experiences so far. In school I took my career serious and knew I wanted to waste no time on getting started so I took extra courses while I was in school and literally had my own suite 3 months before I finished school. Fast forward to today I’m currently at Trends Style Studio where I specialize in body waxing, skincare and body sculpting. I’m always taking extra courses to enhance my knowledge and add to my services. Thank you again Gci, this year I’m planning on opening my own location in Murfreesboro, Tn
Financial Aid
At GCI, qualified students have access to many financial aid options designed to support their dream careers! Such helpful programs include: the Pell Grant Program, the Stafford Loan Program, Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, PLUS, Financial Aid for Veterans, as well as our annual Scholarships. Here, we absolutely empathize with the financial challenges and the seemingly complex criteria for achieving financial aid. Our goal is to simplify everything, giving you the opportunity to gain a professional education without batting an eyelash! Please feel free to reach out to our financial aid contacts.
learn more
Tuition
Tuition covers the expert knowledge gained, and in-class training undergone, at GCI: two elements necessary for a successful certification. It also includes all of the cosmetology supplies (e.g. “Master Kit” of 20 essential tools), texts, workbooks, testing books, and materials required to complete this revolutionary program.
LEARN MORE
Student Catalog
We happily provide an in-depth description of each program at GCI, promising full transparency to our student body. Our admissions team will make it a priority to answer any questions, comments, or concerns that you may have.
LEARN MORE
Consumer Info
At GCI, an informed student is not a secondary concern, but a pressing priority. Here, important information concerning our graduation rates, placement rates, and licensure rates is included for your convenience.
LEARN MORE
Atlanta Campus
900 Flat Shoals Rd SE
Conyers, GA 30094
Tel. (770) 922-7653
© 2026 Georgia Career Institute. All Rights Reserved.