Laʼ James International College
| Laʼ James International College | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
Iowa, | |
| Information | |
| Other name | LJIC |
| Type | Private vocational school |
| Established | 1966 |
| President | Cynthia A. Becher |
| Campus type | Multiple campuses |
| Accreditation | National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) |
| Website | ljic |
Laʼ James International College (LJIC) is a family-owned trade school in Iowa, United States, specializing in beauty and wellness education.[1] The institution operates five campuses across the state and offers training in cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, and nail technology. It is accredited and has been active in vocational education since its founding in 1966.[1]
History
La’ James International College was established in 1966 in Fort Dodge, Iowa.[2] The school has expanded over the years, adding additional campuses and maintaining its status as a family-operated institution. It has been engaged in beauty and wellness education for nearly 60 years.[2]
In 2025, La’ James International College partnered with Iowa Central Community College to offer students a pathway to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Health and Beauty Management.[3] The program combines LJIC’s vocational training with additional online coursework from Iowa Central, allowing students to earn college credit toward a business-focused degree.[2]
College overview
The college offers vocational training in four primary disciplines: cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, and nail technology.[4] While cosmetology is the most in-demand program, each area receives strong institutional support and maintains active student engagement.[4]
In addition to its core programs, the college provides continuing education for graduates, enabling them to meet the requirements for maintaining state-issued professional licenses. All programs are designed to prepare students for direct entry into the workforce or for pursuing self-employment within the personal care and wellness industries.[5][6]
As of 2025, La’ James International College operates five campuses across Iowa, with locations in Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Davenport, Cedar Falls, and Cedar Rapids.[2]
Accreditation
La’ James International College is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).[7] It is recognized as a founding member of the organization and has maintained continuous accreditation for over five decades.[8]
Awards and recognition
La’ James International College has received several notable honors in recognition of its contribution to cosmetology and wellness education.[9]
In 2012, Cynthia A. Becher, the president of LJIC, was awarded the Cimaglia Award by Milady and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS).[10] The award recognizes individuals with over 25 years of outstanding service to cosmetology education.[10] That same year, the college received the Repechage President’s Award for "School of the Year", which honors excellence in esthetics education.[11]
Additionally, LJIC was recognized as a Founding Member School by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) during its 50th anniversary celebration in Arlington, Virginia, highlighting the institution’s longstanding role in accredited career education.[12]
References
- ^ a b "La' James International College Director on the Comprehensive Cosmetology Curriculum". southeast.newschannelnebraska.com. 26 July 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d "La James' International College, in partnership with Iowa Central Community College, offers students an A.A.S. Degree that Empowers the Next Generation of Beauty Professionals". fox40.com. 25 June 2025. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Cosmetology -Iowa Central and La' James International College have partnered together to offer an exciting opportunity for students who would like to jump-start their career in the exciting field of Cosmetology!". iowacentral.edu. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ a b Meredith Kolodner and Sarah Butrymowicz,"'It almost broke us': Lawsuit accuses for-profit cosmetology college of withholding student financial aid". hechingerreport.org. 26 March 202. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ Jason Clayworth,"La' James agrees to return another $462K in Iowa student loans". axios.com. 3 January 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ Tad Andersen,"La' James to forgive $2.1M in student debt in settlement". kcci.com. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "La' James International College Additional Consumer Information" (PDF). ljic.edu. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Why La' James International College Is the Best Choice for Aspiring Cosmetologists and Beauty Professionals". classroom.eumetsat.int. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "La' James International College Welcomes Incoming Cosmetology and Esthetics Students in December". fox40.com. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ a b "N.F. Cimaglia Award". milady.com. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Repêchage Hosts 14th Annual International Congress for Salon & Spa Professionals". lydiasarfati.com. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "La' James International College". chea.org. Retrieved 4 July 2025.