Salon Professional Academy

What Salon Professional Academy does

Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) Fargo is a single-campus, for-profit vocational school located at 4377 15th Avenue South, Fargo, ND, operating as part of a nationwide franchise of 30+ independently owned academies under the Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC). Founded around 2003, the academy delivers four accredited programs — Cosmetology (1,500 hours / 47–60 weeks), Esthetics (600 hours / 18 weeks), Nail Technology (350 hours / 11 weeks), and Massage Therapy (750 hours / 25 weeks) — and is accredited by NACCAS with Title IV federal financial aid and GI Bill approval.

The school's core technology is hands-on vocational education delivered in a student-operated salon and spa ("Guest Services") using Redken-aligned cosmetology techniques, Milady curriculum materials, Mizani and Kryolan product kits, and Phorest salon management/booking software. Reported outcomes include near-100% state board licensure pass rates for beauty programs and a 100% MBLEx pass rate for massage therapy graduates, who become licensure-eligible in 48 states.

Revenue is generated primarily through tuition (one-time per program) for four program tracks, supplemented by Guest Services revenue from discounted student-performed salon and spa services to the public, plus a $10/year My TSPA consumer membership. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via an admissions team, online inquiry forms, campus tours, and organic social media (TikTok, Instagram). The customer base is a long tail of individual prospective students, including veterans using GI Bill benefits and career changers from healthcare-adjacent fields.

Name

Salon Professional Academy

Legal name

The Salon Professional Academy

Website

https://tspafargo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) Fargo is a single-campus NACCAS-accredited vocational school offering cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and massage therapy programs. It serves aspiring beauty and wellness professionals in Fargo, ND, as part of a 30+ academy franchise network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Beauty & Wellness Education

NAICS

Cosmetology and Barber Schools (611511), Technical and Trade Schools (61151)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Cosmetology (General) (EDAOALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Massage Therapy Schools & Certification Programs (HSALANAJ), Esthetics / Skincare (EDAOALAE), Nail Technology (Manicure/Pedicure) Training Programs (HSALANAC)

Keywords

• Beauty school education
• Cosmetology training
• Massage therapy program
• Esthetician training
• Nail technology course

Headquarters

HQ city

Fargo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition – Cosmetology Program: Tuition charged for accredited cosmetology programs (1,500 hours, 47–60 weeks). Federal student aid (FAFSA) available for those who qualify. School code: #040313.
2. Tuition – Massage Therapy Program: Tuition for the 750-hour massage therapy program (25 weeks) priced at $12,000 as of June 2026. Federal student aid (FAFSA) available for those who qualify. TSPA requires 900 hours for graduation.
3. Tuition – Esthetics Program: Tuition for accredited esthetics program (600 hours, 18 weeks). Federal student aid may be available for those who qualify.
4. Tuition – Nail Technology Program: Tuition for nail technology program (350 hours, 11 weeks).
5. Guest Services (Student Salon): Revenue from salon and spa services rendered by students under supervision, including hair, esthetics, nail, and massage services offered to the public.
6. My TSPA Membership: Annual membership program priced at $10 per year offering beauty and wellness savings for clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) Fargo is a NACCAS-accredited vocational beauty and wellness school offering four state-licensed programs: cosmetology (1,500 hours), esthetics (600 hours), nail technology (350 hours), and massage therapy (750 hours). Programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on client services in an on-campus student salon and spa (Guest Services), preparing graduates for state licensure and careers in the beauty and wellness industry. The academy also administers scholarships, federal financial aid (FAFSA), and GI Bill benefits for eligible students.

Product overview

The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) Fargo operates as a vocational beauty and wellness school offering four core educational programs: Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Massage Therapy. These programs provide hands-on training in professional salon and spa environments using industry-standard products from Redken, Kryolan, and Mizani. The school supplements its educational offerings with student-run Guest Services (salon/spa services) that allow students to practice on real clients, and provides financial support through federal student aid, GI Bill benefits, and various scholarship programs. TSPA is part of a nationwide network of 30+ academies and maintains accreditation by NACCAS.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cosmetology Program NACCAS-accredited 1,500-hour cosmetology program (47–60 weeks) covering hair, skin, and nails with a heavy focus on Redken techniques. Includes professional kit with Redken and Kryolan products. Prepares students for state cosmetology licensure. Federal financial aid (FAFSA) available for qualifying students. School code: #040313.
• Esthetics Program NACCAS-accredited 600-hour esthetics program (18 weeks) providing specialized training in skincare, facials, and makeup application techniques. Prepares students for state esthetician licensure. Includes professional kit featuring Kryolan products.
• Nail Technology Program 350-hour nail technology program (11 weeks) focused on manicures, pedicures, and advanced nail enhancements including nail art and extensions. Prepares students for state nail technology licensure.
• Massage Therapy Program NACCAS-accredited 750-hour massage therapy program (25 weeks; TSPA requires 900 hours for graduation) covering Swedish, deep tissue, sports, medical, hot stone, pre-natal, and cupping massage modalities. Tuition $12,000 all-inclusive. Federal student aid (FAFSA) available. Reports 100% MBLEx pass rate and licensure eligibility in 48 states.
• Guest Services (Student Salon & Spa) On-campus student salon and spa open to the public, providing real-world hair, facial, nail, and massage services performed by students under licensed educator supervision at discounted student rates. Appointments booked via Phorest platform or by phone (701-451-9100).
• Scholarships Program Financial assistance programs for enrolled students, including the Loving Heart Scholarship (two $2,500 awards annually in April and October for Cosmetology students, disbursed in four installments tied to attendance milestones), Alumni Scholarship (20% tuition discount for graduates enrolling in a second program), and referrals to external scholarships from Redken, Great Clips, Beauty Changes Lives, and ProBeauty (PBA).
• Federal Student Aid & GI Bill Benefits Title IV federal financial aid (FAFSA) available for qualifying students in the Cosmetology and Massage Therapy programs, plus GI Bill benefits for eligible veterans under the VA Principles of Excellence program. School code: #040313.
• My TSPA Membership Annual subscription membership priced at $10 per year that offers exclusive beauty and wellness savings to clients of TSPA Fargo's Guest Services salon and spa.

Quantifiable outcome

• Near 100% licensure pass rate for beauty state board exams across many cohorts
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RedkencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTSPA Fargo is a Redken Business Resource and incorporates Redken products and Redken-specific training techniques into its cosmetology curriculum. Students train with Redken 5th Avenue NYC professional products. The partnership provides brand credibility and industry alignment for graduates.
• MiladycoreTechnology or IntegrationMilady is the primary textbook publisher partner for TSPA Fargo's educational programs, providing standard industry textbooks for cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology curricula.
• PhorestcoreTechnology or IntegrationPhorest provides the salon booking and management software platform used by TSPA Fargo's Guest Services (student salon/spa) for online appointment booking by clients.
• Lend A Hand UpminorOthersLend A Hand Up is a charitable giving platform used by TSPA Fargo to facilitate donations for community members in need, such as the 'Shine Bright For Diamond' fundraiser for student Diamond Williams's medical expenses.
• The Christmas Gift (Christmas Gift Charity)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTSPA Fargo has participated in the annual Christmas Gift Fashion Avenue style show since 2004. The event raises funds for local families in need. Approximately 600 people attend annually. A major gift grant is awarded during the show.
• Great ClipsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGreat Clips offers a scholarship program for beauty school students. TSPA Fargo promotes Great Clips Scholarships to its prospective and current students as an external financial aid option.
• Beauty Changes LivesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeauty Changes Lives is a scholarship foundation offering beauty industry-specific scholarships. TSPA Fargo directs prospective students to Beauty Changes Lives as an external scholarship resource.
• ProBeauty (Professional Beauty Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerProBeauty (PBA) offers industry-specific scholarships for beauty school students. TSPA Fargo references PBA scholarships as an external funding option for eligible students.
• Salon Professional Education Company (SPEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSPEC is the franchisor behind The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) brand. It provides brand standards, curriculum guidance, educator resources, enrollment management frameworks, and recognition programs (e.g., Director of the Year, Admissions Director of the Year awards) across the 30+ TSPA academy network.
• ABMP (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABMP is the professional membership organization for massage therapists. TSPA Fargo educators (Kaitlyn Swartz and Angela Poole) attended the 2024 ABMP School Forum to enhance curriculum, learn about legislative changes, and explore AI applications in massage education.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Xenon International Academy: Multi-location beauty school offering cosmetology, esthetics, nail, and massage therapy programs with federal aid eligibility. Directly comparable multi-program vocational model and student demographics.
• National Beauty College: For-profit cosmetology and esthetics school offering federally aided beauty programs. Comparable program structure, target student, and reliance on Title IV enrollment.
• Empire Beauty Schools: One of the largest U.S. chains of cosmetology schools offering state-board-approved cosmetology, esthetics, and nail programs with federal financial aid eligibility. Directly comparable for-profit vocational beauty education model and enrollment funnel.
• Paul Mitchell Schools: National network of cosmetology and barbering schools operating under the Paul Mitchell brand partnership model, very similar to TSPA's Redken alignment. Comparable program mix, brand-driven differentiation, and franchise/affiliate operating structure.
• Bellus Academy: Multi-program beauty and wellness school (cosmetology, esthetics, makeup, massage) operating across multiple U.S. campuses with Title IV eligibility. Highly comparable program mix and student outcomes orientation.
• Aveda Institutes: Network of cosmetology and esthetics schools affiliated with the Aveda brand, offering federally aided programs in hair, skin, and makeup. Comparable brand-partnered beauty education model with similar program structure and target student.
• PJ's College of Cosmetology: Regional chain of cosmetology schools offering state-approved programs in hair, skin, and nails with federal financial aid. Comparable for-profit vocational model and target student demographic.

Regional players

• Ogle School: Texas-based chain of cosmetology, esthetics, and nail schools with a similar for-profit vocational model and Title IV eligibility, but operating primarily in the South-Central U.S.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TSPAFargo
• Facebookfacebook.com/tspafargo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-salon-professional-academy-fargo-nd

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Salon Professional Academy