The Salon Professional Academy

The Salon Professional Academy is a private for-profit less-than-two-year institution located in Rapid City, South Dakota, in a small city setting. The school enrolls 100 students (IPEDS 2023) and holds a quality score of 53.83 out of 100. The completion rate is 79% (IPEDS 2023), with a retention rate of 58% (IPEDS 2023).

The academy offers a single program: Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General, delivered as a one-to-two-year certificate. The program prepares students for South Dakota cosmetology licensure and professional employment in hair, skin, and nail services.

Rapid City is located in western South Dakota near the Black Hills, serving as the region's primary commercial center. The Salon Professional Academy provides students in western South Dakota with a focused cosmetology training pathway, connecting graduates with employment in the local salon market and the tourism-driven economy of the Black Hills region.