Hands-on from week one
You practice on live clients, not just mannequins — theory and sanitation, cutting and fading, shaving, styling and client care, all aimed at the State Board exam.
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American Barber Institute · NYS-Licensed Since 1996
Become a licensed barber in New York City.
American Barber Institute runs the New York State 500-hour Master Barber program at two NYC campuses — Midtown Manhattan and the Bronx. Full-time, that's about 4 months; on weekends, about 6–7. New classes start the first Monday of every month, so you're rarely more than a few weeks from your first day. Beginners start from zero every month — no prior experience required. Tell us which campus fits, and admissions will map out your schedule, cost, and start date.
NYS-Licensed
500-Hour Master Barber
Manhattan & Bronx
Weekly Payment Plans
The Essentials
One license. Two campuses. A fast, honest path.
500
state-required training hours
4
months full-time (~6–7 on weekends)
2
NYC campuses — Manhattan & the Bronx
1st
Monday of every month — start dates
Why American Barber Institute
A licensed trade you own for life
A barber's license can't be offshored, doesn't expire when a company downsizes, and lets you work anywhere in the state. Here's what training at ABI gives you.
Instructors who made the leap first
Every current ABI instructor is a former ABI student. They walked in unsure, earned a license, built a career behind the chair, and came back to teach the next person considering the same change.
Job-placement support
ABI graduates have gone on to work at — and own — respected barbershops across New York. A good school connects graduates to hiring shops, and we've earned a reputation with NYC shop owners as a reliable source of quality professionals.
Funding that fits
Most students start with a $200–$500 down payment and pay weekly while they train. Veterans can use the GI Bill®, and eligible New Yorkers may qualify for ACCES-VR — potentially bringing out-of-pocket cost to $0.
What Students Say
Real reviews from both campuses
Verified Google reviews from students and clinic clients at our Manhattan and Bronx campuses.
Manhattan Campus
4.2
4.2 out of 5 · 427 Google reviews
Bronx Campus
4.9
4.9 out of 5 · 253 Google reviews
"One of the most affordable haircuts in NYC at American Barber Institute — 10 out of 10!"
Christopher L.
Google review · Manhattan campus
"As a student at American Barber Institute, I had an amazing experience from start to finish. The instructors truly care about their students and are dedicated to helping everyone succeed in the barber industry."
Jerald A.
Google review · Manhattan campus
"Great location near public transportation. The instructors are very helpful and knowledgeable, which allows for a good learning process."
William P.
Google review · Bronx campus
"Great place for an affordable haircut. A student cuts your hair and they're given guidance by teachers when they're unsure."
Victor E.
Google review · Bronx campus
Tuition & Funding
Same 500-hour license. Three ways to pay for it.
Tuition runs between $3,600 and $5,600 depending on your schedule. Every plan leads to the exact same New York Master Barber license — each starts with a $200–$500 down payment, then weekly payments across the program.
Plan A
Morning
Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
~17 weeks (~4 months)
$500down payment
Weekly payments17 × $300
Total cost$5,600
Professional tool kit included
Enroll in morningPlan B
Afternoon
Mon–Fri · 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
~17 weeks (~4 months)
$200down payment
Weekly payments17 × $200
Total cost$3,600
Plan C
Weekend
Sat & Sun · Flexible hours
~27 weeks (~6–7 months)
$200down payment
Weekly payments27 × $160
Total cost$4,600
A $100 non-refundable registration fee is included in the down payment on every plan.
Weekly payment plans
A $200–$500 down payment at registration, then weekly payments while you attend. Tuition tracks with your training instead of preceding it — no lump sum required.
GI Bill® & VA benefits
Post-9/11 (Ch. 33), VR&E (Ch. 31), Montgomery (Ch. 30) and DEA (Ch. 35) can cover a VA-approved barbering program in full or in part. Read the GI Bill® guide →
ACCES-VR vocational funding
New York's vocational rehabilitation program can cover tuition, tools and supplies — potentially bringing out-of-pocket cost to $0. It's funding, not a loan. Read the ACCES-VR guide →
See every number, plan and funding path on the tuition & funding page, or compare tracks on the schedules page.
Common Questions
Barber school in New York, answered
How long does barber school take in New York?
New York requires 500 hours of training. Full-time (about 30 hours a week) that's roughly 4 months, or about 17 weeks. On a weekend schedule (about 18 hours a week) it's closer to 6–7 months. You choose the pace that fits your life — the license is identical either way. See the full breakdown in how to get started.
How much does barber school cost?
The 500-hour Master Barber program is $3,600 for the afternoon schedule, $4,600 for the weekend schedule and $5,600 for the morning schedule, which includes a professional tool kit. Students on the other plans buy their own tools, books and supplies (a list is provided at registration). Compared to a multi-year college degree, it's a fraction of the cost for a licensed, working credential. See every option on the tuition and funding page.
Am I too old — or too inexperienced — to start?
No prior experience is required, and people change into barbering at every age. Beginners start from zero every single month. As long as you're at least 17, the trade is open to career-changers, second-career workers and recent grads alike.
What do I need to enroll?
A Social Security card; a High School Diploma or GED (or pass the ATB entrance exam); you must be at least 17 years old; proof of residential address; and a valid photo ID or driver's license. No barbering background is needed. Full walkthrough in how to get started.
Request A Call
Send one message. Get real answers.
Fill this out and admissions will reach back with the specifics for your situation — cost, funding, schedule, and how soon you could start at the Manhattan or Bronx campus. Prefer to talk now? Every phone number is a tap away just below.
Rather visit in person? Walk in during business hours and see the training floor for yourself — both campuses welcome drop-ins, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM.
Ready To Enroll — What You'll Need
- A high school diploma or GED, or a passing score on the ATB entrance exam
- To be at least 17 years old
- A $200–$500 down payment to reserve your spot
Choose Your Campus
Two campuses. One phone call away.
Come see the floor, meet instructors, and ask anything. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours at both locations.
Manhattan Campus
48 West 39th Street
New York, NY 10018 — in the heart of Midtown, steps from Bryant Park.
Call — English:
(212) 290-2289
Llámanos — Español:
(212) 290-0278
Bronx Campus
121 Westchester Square
Bronx, NY 10461 — bilingual training close to home in the East Bronx.
Call the Bronx campus:
(718) 676-0640
New to the trade? See how the schedules work.
More Ways To Reach Us
Hours & email
Open: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–8 PM