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2023 Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Trade Schools in California
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.
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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
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.
A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Riverside City College is a great place for cosmetology students working on their associate degree. Located in the large city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a public school with a large student population.
A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Citrus College is a great place for cosmetology students working on their associate degree. Citrus College is a medium-sized public school located in the large suburb of Glendora.
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 school with a fairly large student population.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Los Angeles Trade Technical College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Trade Schools in California list. Located in the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public college with a large student population.
Read full report on Cosmetology at Los Angeles Trade Technical College
San Diego City College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for cosmetology students to get a associate degree. It came in at #6 on the list. Located in the large city of San Diego, San Diego City College is a public college with a fairly large student population.
Best Cosmetology Colleges in the Far Western US Region
Explore all the Best Cosmetology Schools 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 Related Rankings by Major
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 |
Most Popular Majors Related to Cosmetology
| 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.