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Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Trade Schools in California

2023 Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Trade Schools in California

6 Colleges
$16,507 Avg Salary
$12,253 Avg Student Debt

Finding the Best Cosmetology Associate Degree School for You

In 2021-2022, cosmetology students earned 10,294 degrees and certificates from a California school, making the subject the 2nd in the state.

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

The Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Trade Schools in California ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 6 schools in California to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

2023 Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Schools in California

The following schools top our list of the Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Colleges.

Top California Trade Schools for an Associate in Cosmetology

#1

Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA

Our 2023 rankings named Cerritos College the best school in California for cosmetology students working on their associate degree. Cerritos College is a large public school located in the large suburb of Norwalk.

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#2

Riverside City College

Riverside, CA

The excellent associate degree programs at Riverside City College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best cosmetology schools in California. Located in the city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a public school with a fairly large student population.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Riverside City College

#3

Citrus College

Glendora, CA

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Citrus College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Trade Schools in California list. Citrus College is a moderately-sized public school located in the large suburb of Glendora.

Full Cosmetology at Citrus College Report

#4

Golden West College

Huntington Beach, CA

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Golden West College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Trade Schools in California list. Located in the large suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a public college with a large student population.

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A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a great place for cosmetology students working on their associate degree. Located in the large city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public school with a fairly large student population.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Los Angeles Trade Technical College

#6

San Diego City College

San Diego, CA

With a ranking of #6, San Diego City College did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students working on their associate degree. Located in the large city of San Diego, San Diego City College is a public college with a large student population.

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Best Cosmetology Colleges in the Far Western US Region

Explore all the Best Cosmetology Colleges in the Far Western US Area or other specific states within that region.

State Degrees Awarded
Washington 2,041
Oregon 1,020
Nevada 1,575
Hawaii 183

Cosmetology is one of 4 different types of trade school programs to choose from.

Cosmetology Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist 50,210
Aesthetician/Esthetician & Skin Care Specialist 40,040
Nail Technician/Specialist & Manicurist 13,960
Barbering/Barber 9,893
Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist 2,907
Other Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts 2,184
Master Aesthetician/Esthetician 1,729
Hair Styling/Stylist & Hair Design 1,238
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, & Nail Instructor 1,230
Make-Up Artist/Specialist 440
Electrolysis/Electrology & Electrolysis Technician 354
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager 336
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing 90

Related Major Annual Graduates
Culinary Arts 22,075
Funeral & Mortuary Science 2,186
Casino Operations and Services 385
Other Personal & Culinary Services 95

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 6 schools only.

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Tiffany Bumgardner.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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