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2023 Best Cosmetology Trade Schools in Virginia
Finding the Best Cosmetology School for You
Cosmetology is one of the most popular subjects to study in Virginia. With 1,085 degrees and certificates handed out in 2021-2022, it ranked 6th out of all the majors we track in the state.
Today's trade school students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school to be a better alternative for you.
To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Trade College Search has created its Best Cosmetology Trade Schools in Virginia ranking. Our analysis looked at 15 schools in Virginia to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for trade school students.
View our full ranking methodology.
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2023 Best Cosmetology Schools in Virginia
The following schools top our list of the Best Cosmetology Colleges.
Top 10 Best Cosmetology Schools
Our analysis found Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics to be the best school for cosmetology students who want to pursue a degree in Virginia. Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Ashland.
A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Dermal Science International Aesthetics and Nail Academy is a great place for cosmetology students. Located in the small city of Reston, DSI Academy is a private for-profit school with a small student population.
Full Cosmetology at Dermal Science International Aesthetics and Nail Academy Report
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Avi Career Training. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Cosmetology Trade Schools in Virginia list. Avi Career Training is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Great Falls.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The Chrysm Insitute of Esthetics. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Cosmetology Trade Schools in Virginia list. The Chrysm Institute is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of Virginia Beach.
A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Paul Mitchell the School Mclean is a great place for cosmetology students. Paul Mitchell the School Mclean is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of McLean.
Paul Mitchell the School Woodbridge came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Cosmetology Trade Schools in Virginia ranking. Paul Mitchell the School Woodbridge is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Woodbridge.
Read full report on Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Woodbridge
With a ranking of #7, Paul Mitchell the School Roanoke did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students. Located in the midsize city of Roanoke, Paul Mitchell the School Roanoke is a private for-profit school with a small student population.
Virginia School of Hair Design landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best cosmetology programs. Located in the medium-sized city of Hampton, Virginia School of Hair Design is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.
With a ranking of #9, Rudy & Kelly Academy - A Paul Mitchell Partner School did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students. Rudy & Kelly Academy is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of Virginia Beach.
Full Cosmetology at Rudy & Kelly Academy - A Paul Mitchell Partner School Report
With a ranking of #10, Luckes Beauty Academy did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students. Luckes Beauty Academy is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the medium-sized city of Newport News.
Best Cosmetology Colleges in the Southeast Region
Explore all the Best Cosmetology Colleges in the Southeast Area or other specific states within that region.
| State | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Georgia | 4,283 |
| South Carolina | 1,516 |
| Arkansas | 1,191 |
| North Carolina | 2,549 |
| Florida | 10,801 |
| West Virginia | 377 |
| Louisiana | 3,726 |
| Alabama | 821 |
| Kentucky | 1,003 |
| Tennessee | 2,270 |
| Mississippi | 872 |
Rankings in Majors Related to Cosmetology
One of 4 majors within the trade school area of study, cosmetology has other similar majors worth exploring.
Cosmetology Focus Areas
| 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 15 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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