Another Success Story From Middletown
Jeremiah Collins walked across the stage on January 16, 2026. Diploma in hand. Milestone locked.
Today: official status. Licensed barber in Ohio. State Board: first attempt.
This is what 21 years of educational excellence looks like at X-Quisite Cutz School of Barbering in Middletown, Ohio.
GI BILL START. VA BENEFITS INFO.
Visit www.x-cutz.com. GI Bill. VA Dependents. Enrollment steps. Required documents. Program details.
The Journey: From Enrollment to Licensed Professional
Jeremiah didn’t come to barbering by accident. He came with purpose. He came with the support of his family: specifically, his parents’ GI Bill benefits.
As a VA Dependent, Jeremiah accessed educational funding most people don’t even know exists. The GI Bill isn’t just for active-duty service members. It extends to spouses and children who qualify under the Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement Program.
That meant:
- Full tuition coverage for his 1,800-hour barber program
- Housing allowance while in training
- Book and supply stipend for his student kit
- Zero student loan debt upon graduation
This is the same pathway available to thousands of military families across Ohio. Most never use it.
Jeremiah did.
What the Numbers Say
X-Quisite Cutz School of Barbering doesn’t just graduate students. We produce licensed professionals.
The stats:
- 51 graduates since opening our Middletown campus
- 100% are now licensed barbers
- 90% first-time pass rate on the Ohio State Board Exam
Jeremiah is now part of that 90%. He didn’t need a second attempt. He studied. He practiced. He showed up every day ready to master the craft.
That’s the difference between a school that teaches barbering and a school that builds careers.
Why the GI Bill Works for Barber School
Traditional four-year colleges cost $40,000–$100,000. The return on investment? Questionable in many fields.
Barber school takes 12–18 months. Cost with the GI Bill? $0 out of pocket for eligible Veterans and Dependents.
First-year licensed barbers in Ohio earn $30,000–$45,000. Experienced barbers with clientele? $50,000–$80,000+. Booth renters and shop owners? Six figures is common.
The math is simple:
- Short training period
- No debt
- Immediate income
- Lifelong skill set
This is why barbering is one of the smartest career moves for military families. Jeremiah’s parents served. Now their benefits are building his future.
What Makes X-Quisite Cutz Different
Middletown isn’t just another barber school. This is where students learn to cut all hair types, all textures, all clients.
Comprehensive Texture Training is embedded in the curriculum. Students don’t graduate until they’re comfortable with:
- Coarse, curly, and coily textures (Type 3 and 4 hair)
- Fine and straight textures (Type 1 and 2 hair)
- Fades, tapers, and line work across all densities
- Razor techniques for shaping and detailing
- Clipper-over-comb blending for seamless transitions
Jeremiah worked with clients of every background during his clinic hours. That’s why he’s shop-ready, not just book-smart.
The diversity of our student body reflects the diversity of Ohio:
- Men and women
- All ethnic backgrounds
- Veterans, dependents, and civilians
- Ages 18–55+
This is a multicultural program training barbers for the real world.
The State Board Exam: What It Takes
Passing the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board Examination requires more than technique. It requires:
- Practical skills demonstration (haircut, shave, chemical services)
- Written exam knowledge (sanitation, safety, state law)
- Professional conduct under exam pressure
- Time management during timed practical portions
X-Quisite Cutz prepares students with mock State Board exams during training. Students practice the exact format they’ll face on test day. That’s why 90% pass the first time.
Student Testimonial Snapshot: Jeremiah Collins
> “Felt very prepared for the State Board. The provided kit was extremely helpful.”
Career pivot. Jeremiah’s account. Age 19. Construction work. Career goal: barbering path aligned with enjoyment, long-term stability, real-world skill.
Benefits impact. Jeremiah’s account. GI Bill covered school. VA stipend helped cover cost of living during training.
Instruction experience. Jeremiah’s account. “Mr. Hampton showed a lot of care in teaching.”
Program rating. Jeremiah’s account. 5-star, “Strongly Agree” review for Mrs. P.O. Champion and the full program. Notes: staff thorough; staff intent on student wins.
Jeremiah was ready. He executed every cut. He answered every question. He walked out knowing he passed.
Two weeks later, the official results confirmed it.
Licensed barber. State of Ohio.
What’s Next for Jeremiah
Graduation isn’t the end. It’s the beginning.
Jeremiah now has options:
- Work as an employee in an established barbershop (guaranteed income, benefits, mentorship)
- Rent a booth and build his own clientele (higher earning potential, flexible schedule)
- Open his own shop (full business ownership, legacy-building)
- Continue education with advanced certifications (color specialist, master barber designation)
He’s 22 years old with a professional license, zero debt, and a skill set that travels anywhere in the country.
That’s what the GI Bill makes possible when combined with the right training program.
For Veterans and Dependents: How to Start
If you’re a Veteran, active-duty service member, or dependent with unused GI Bill benefits, here’s the process:
- Check your eligibility at the VA’s GI Bill website or call 1-888-442-4551
- Request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through your eBenefits account
- Contact X-Quisite Cutz School of Barbering at 513-604-6803 to discuss enrollment
- Submit your COE to our VA Certifying Official for benefits processing
- Enroll in the 1,800-hour barber program at our Middletown campus: 3230 Roosevelt Blvd, Middletown, OH 45044
- Receive monthly housing allowance while in training (Post-9/11 GI Bill eligible students)
- Graduate in 12–18 months depending on schedule (full-time or part-time)
- Take the State Board Exam and join Ohio’s licensed barber workforce
The school handles the VA paperwork. You focus on learning the craft.
Why Ohio Needs More Licensed Barbers
The demand for skilled barbers in Ohio is growing. Barbershops in Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo are actively hiring.
The reasons:
- Aging workforce: Many veteran barbers are retiring without enough replacements
- Cultural shift: More clients want precision cuts, skin fades, and detailed line work
- Men’s grooming boom: The industry is expanding as men invest more in personal care
- Diverse clientele: Shops need barbers trained in all textures to serve entire communities
Graduates from X-Quisite Cutz enter a market with immediate job openings. Jeremiah already has three interview requests from local shops.
This is the advantage of training at a school with a 21-year reputation. Shop owners know X-Quisite Cutz graduates show up ready to work.
The 21-Year Legacy Continues
Since 2004, X-Quisite Cutz has been training professional barbers in Ohio. That’s 21 years of:
- Curriculum refinement
- Industry connections
- Graduate success stories
- Community trust
Jeremiah is the latest name on a long list of licensed professionals who started in our Middletown classroom.
He won’t be the last.
Sonny: This One’s Ready for Social
@Sonny: Celebratory success story ready for Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Pending photo from Rodriguis. Draft caption:
“From student to licensed professional. Jeremiah Collins graduated January 16, 2026, and passed the Ohio State Board Exam: first attempt. VA Dependent. GI Bill funding. VA stipend support. Zero debt. License secured. This is what 21 years of educational excellence looks like. GI Bill / VA Dependents info: www.x-cutz.com. #GIBill #BarberSchoolOhio #XQuisiteCutz #VeteranBenefits #LicensedBarber #MiddletownOhio”
Take the Next Step
Veterans, service members, and dependents: Your GI Bill benefits don’t expire until you use them.
Jeremiah used his. Now he’s a licensed barber with a lifelong skill and zero student debt.
You can do the same.
Visit www.x-cutz.com to learn more about our VA-approved barber program in Middletown, Ohio.
Call 513-604-6803 to speak with our enrollment team.
Your education is already paid for. Your future is waiting.
X-Quisite Cutz School of Barbering
3230 Roosevelt Blvd, Middletown, OH 45044
A Multicultural Educational Institution | 21 Years of Excellence
Congratulations, Jeremiah. You earned this.
X-QUISTE CUTZ LLC 
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