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2026 Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best Cosmetology undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1613 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Trade College evaluated schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Medspa Academies earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Located in South Jordan, UT, Medspa Academies is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,394. Read the full report on Medspa Academies
The strong Cosmetology programs at Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Everett, WA. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,164. More on Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett
Hastings Beauty School came in at #4 on this year's Cosmetology ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Hastings, MN. Get the full Hastings Beauty School report
You'll be in good company at The Hair Academy, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Bismarck, ND, The Hair Academy is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,809. See the full The Hair Academy profile
San Francisco Institute Of Esthetics And Cosmetology Inc came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco Institute Of Esthetics And Cosmetology Inc is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,556. More on San Francisco Institute Of Esthetics And Cosmetology Inc
Obriens Aveda Institute placed #7 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Williston, VT, Obriens Aveda Institute is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,832. Get the full Obriens Aveda Institute report
Catherine Hinds Institute Of Esthetics did well this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Woburn, MA, Catherine Hinds Institute Of Esthetics is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $7,667. Read the full report on Catherine Hinds Institute Of Esthetics
Gary Manuel Aveda Institute came in at #9 in this year's ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,111. Get the full Gary Manuel Aveda Institute report
Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Shoreline ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Located in Shoreline, WA, Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Shoreline is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,344. Read the full report on Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Shoreline
Aveda Institute Denver did well this year, earning the #11 position. Aveda Institute Denver is a private for-profit school based in Denver, CO. Aveda Institute Denver Cosmetology students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. See the full Aveda Institute Denver profile
Capitol School Of Hairstyling And Esthetics did well this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Omaha, NE, Capitol School Of Hairstyling And Esthetics is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,166. Read the full report on Capitol School Of Hairstyling And Esthetics
The Salon Professional Academy Fargo landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. Located in Fargo, ND, The Salon Professional Academy Fargo is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,000. Read the full report on The Salon Professional Academy Fargo
Arrojo Cosmetology School landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Arrojo Cosmetology School is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $10,666 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Read more about Arrojo Cosmetology School
The Salon Professional Academy Onalaska ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. This private for-profit school is set in Onalaska, WI. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. More on The Salon Professional Academy Onalaska
Nova Academy Of Cosmetology landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Set in Rochester, MN, Nova Academy Of Cosmetology is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $9,999. More on Nova Academy Of Cosmetology
W Academy Of Salon And Spa came in at #17 in this year's ranking. W Academy Of Salon And Spa is a private for-profit school based in Danville, CA. Graduates carry a median of $6,211 in student loans. More on W Academy Of Salon And Spa
Acaydia School Of Aesthetics placed #18 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Acaydia School Of Aesthetics is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $7,668 in student loans. Read more about Acaydia School Of Aesthetics
The Temple Annapolis A Paul Mitchell Partner School came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Set in Annapolis, MD, The Temple Annapolis A Paul Mitchell Partner School is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $12,583. Get the full The Temple Annapolis A Paul Mitchell Partner School report
The Temple A Paul Mitchell Partner School came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Based in Frederick, MD, The Temple A Paul Mitchell Partner School is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $12,583. Read the full report on The Temple A Paul Mitchell Partner School
Minnesota School Of Cosmetology Woodbury Campus placed #21 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in WOODBURY, MN, Minnesota School Of Cosmetology Woodbury Campus is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,194. Read the full report on Minnesota School Of Cosmetology Woodbury Campus
The Institute Of Beauty And Wellness came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Based in Milwaukee, WI, The Institute Of Beauty And Wellness is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,555. See the full The Institute Of Beauty And Wellness profile
Aveda Fredrics Institute Indianapolis landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Based in Carmel, IN, Aveda Fredrics Institute Indianapolis is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,833. Read more about Aveda Fredrics Institute Indianapolis
Paul Mitchell The School St Louis did well this year, earning the #24 position. Paul Mitchell The School St Louis is a private for-profit school based in St. Louis, MO. Paul Mitchell The School St Louis Cosmetology students take on a median of $9,833 in debt. Get the full Paul Mitchell The School St Louis report
Aveda Institute Madison placed #25 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, Aveda Institute Madison is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $10,555. Read the full report on Aveda Institute Madison
Image Maker Beauty Institute did well this year, earning the #26 position. Image Maker Beauty Institute is a private for-profit school based in Hendersonville, TN. Graduates carry a median of $11,580 in student loans. More on Image Maker Beauty Institute
Rest of the Top 50 Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Stewart School placed #27 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Stewart School is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $8,863. More on Stewart School
Mitsu Sato Hair Academy placed #28 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Overland Park, KS, Mitsu Sato Hair Academy is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. See the full Mitsu Sato Hair Academy profile
Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Worcester did well this year, earning the #29 position. This private for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,667. Get the full Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Worcester report
Aveda Institute Des Moines did well this year, earning the #30 position. Based in West Des Moines, IA, Aveda Institute Des Moines is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Read more about Aveda Institute Des Moines
International Institute Of Cosmetology ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Based in Wethersfield, CT, International Institute Of Cosmetology is a private for-profit institution. International Institute Of Cosmetology Cosmetology students take on a median of $10,946 in debt. Get the full International Institute Of Cosmetology report
The Salon Professional Academy Appleton ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Located in Appleton, WI, The Salon Professional Academy Appleton is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,679. Read the full report on The Salon Professional Academy Appleton
Aveda Fredrics Institute Cincinnati ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Located in West Chester, OH, Aveda Fredrics Institute Cincinnati is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $9,833. Read the full report on Aveda Fredrics Institute Cincinnati
New England Hair Academy landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Set in Malden, MA, New England Hair Academy is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $8,083. More on New England Hair Academy
Aveda Institute Minneapolis ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $9,941. Read more about Aveda Institute Minneapolis
Paul Mitchell The School Austin did well this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Austin, TX, Paul Mitchell The School Austin is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $10,414. More on Paul Mitchell The School Austin
Advanced College Of Cosmetology came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Set in Waupun, WI, Advanced College Of Cosmetology is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $11,420 in student loans. Read more about Advanced College Of Cosmetology
Paul Mitchell The School Indianapolis ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Paul Mitchell The School Indianapolis is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $9,833 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Get the full Paul Mitchell The School Indianapolis report
University Of Aesthetics And Cosmetology placed #39 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Aesthetics And Cosmetology is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $11,667 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Read more about University Of Aesthetics And Cosmetology
Lytles Redwood Empire Beauty College Inc placed #40 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Santa Rosa, CA, Lytles Redwood Empire Beauty College Inc is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,051. More on Lytles Redwood Empire Beauty College Inc
New York Institute Of Beauty ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. New York Institute Of Beauty is a private for-profit school based in Islandia, NY. The median Cosmetology program debt is $6,062. Read the full report on New York Institute Of Beauty
Paul Mitchell The School Raleigh ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. This private for-profit school is set in Raleigh, NC. Paul Mitchell The School Raleigh Cosmetology students take on a median of $15,333 in debt. More on Paul Mitchell The School Raleigh
Aveda Institute Chicago ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Aveda Institute Chicago is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $9,833 in student loans. More on Aveda Institute Chicago
Summit Salon Academy Tacoma ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Located in Tacoma, WA, Summit Salon Academy Tacoma is a private for-profit institution. Summit Salon Academy Tacoma Cosmetology students take on a median of $10,000 in debt. Get the full Summit Salon Academy Tacoma report
Paul Mitchell The School Columbus did well this year, earning the #45 position. This private for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. Graduates carry a median of $13,833 in student loans. More on Paul Mitchell The School Columbus
Xenon International Academy Omaha did well this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Omaha, NE, Xenon International Academy Omaha is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $12,000. See the full Xenon International Academy Omaha profile
Paul Mitchell The School Overland Park did well this year, earning the #48 position. This private for-profit school is set in Overland Park, KS. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $13,341. More on Paul Mitchell The School Overland Park
E Q School Of Hair Design did well this year, earning the #49 position. E Q School Of Hair Design is a private for-profit school based in Council Bluffs, IA. Graduates carry a median of $10,294 in student loans. More on E Q School Of Hair Design
Pci Academy Plymouth came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Located in Plymouth, MN, Pci Academy Plymouth is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $10,570 in student loans. Read more about Pci Academy Plymouth
Tint School Of Makeup And Cosmetology Irving came in at #52 in this year's ranking. Based in Irving, TX, Tint School Of Makeup And Cosmetology Irving is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $7,698. See the full Tint School Of Makeup And Cosmetology Irving profile
Aveda Institute Portland did well this year, earning the #53 position. Based in Portland, OR, Aveda Institute Portland is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $10,556 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Read more about Aveda Institute Portland
Related Cosmetology Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Cosmetology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Cosmetology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1613 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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