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2023 Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools

960 Colleges
$17,014 Avg Salary
$10,880 Avg Student Debt

Finding the Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate School for You

In 2020-2021, 107,895 degrees and certificates were awarded to cosmetology students, making the major the most popular in the country.

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. 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 help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools ranking. This report analyzed 960 schools in the United States to see which ones offered the best undergraduate certificate programs for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

2023 Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the United States

The colleges and universities below are the best for cosmetology majors pursuing a undergraduate certificate.

Top 25 Top Trade Schools for an Award Taking 1 to 4 Years in Cosmetology

#1

Medspa Academies

South Jordan, UT

Our analysis found Medspa Academies to be the best school for cosmetology students who want to pursue a undergraduate certificate in the United States. Located in the large suburb of South Jordan, National Institute of Medical Aesthetics is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

On average, cosmetology graduates from National Institute of Medical Aesthetics take out $12,750 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Read More…

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Paroba College of Cosmetology. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list. Located in the medium-sized city of Everett, Paroba College of Cosmetology is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Paroba College of Cosmetology take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $11,021.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Paroba College of Cosmetology

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best cosmetology schools in the United States. Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Everett.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett accumulate an average of around $11,368 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $74.

Read More…

#4

Hastings Beauty School

Hastings, MN

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Hastings Beauty School. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list. Hastings Beauty School is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the town of Hastings.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Hastings Beauty School accumulate an average of around $15,185 in student debt.

Read More…

#5

The Hair Academy

Bismarck, ND

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The Hair Academy. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list. The Hair Academy is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the small city of Bismarck.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from The Hair Academy carry an average student debtload of $16,322.

Read full report on Cosmetology at The Hair Academy

San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools ranking. Located in the city of San Francisco, SFIEC is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at SFIEC take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $12,708. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $95.

Read full report on Cosmetology at San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc

#7

O'Briens Aveda Institute

Williston, VT

With a ranking of #7, O’Briens Aveda Institute did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. O'Briens Aveda Institute is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Williston.

On average, cosmetology graduates from O'Briens Aveda Institute take out $11,770 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Read More…

Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Located in the large suburb of Woburn, Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

Cosmetology majors at Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics take out an average of $10,675 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Read More…

Gary Manuel Aveda Institute ranked #9 on this year’s Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list. Located in the city of Seattle, GMAI is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

Cosmetology majors at GMAI take out an average of $12,978 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Full Cosmetology at Gary Manuel Aveda Institute Report

With a ranking of #11, Aveda Institute - Denver did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Aveda Institute - Denver is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of Denver.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Aveda Institute - Denver take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $15,359. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $80.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Aveda Institute - Denver

Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics ranked #12 on this year’s Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list. Located in the city of Omaha, Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics take out $10,334 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $72, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics

The Salon Professional Academy - Fargo came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools ranking. TSPA - Fargo is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Fargo.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at TSPA - Fargo take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $16,775.

Read More…

#14

Arrojo Cosmetology School

New York, NY

Arrojo Cosmetology School did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #14 on the list. Located in the large city of New York, NA Enterprises LLC d is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from NA Enterprises LLC d carry an average student debtload of $12,623. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $112, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Arrojo Cosmetology School

The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. TSPA - Onalaska is a small private for-profit school located in the small city of Onalaska.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at TSPA - Onalaska accumulate an average of around $13,419 in student debt.

Read More…

#16

Nova Academy of Cosmetology

Rochester, MN

With a ranking of #16, Nova Academy of Cosmetology did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the medium-sized city of Rochester, Nova Academy of Cosmetology is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Nova Academy of Cosmetology carry an average student debtload of $13,266. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $88.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Nova Academy of Cosmetology

J D Academy of Salon and Spa landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. J D Academy of Salon and Spa is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Danville.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at J D Academy of Salon and Spa take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $10,057. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $70, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

Acaydia School of Aesthetics ranked #18 on this year’s Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list. Located in the city of Provo, Acaydia School of Aesthetics is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Acaydia School of Aesthetics carry an average student debtload of $10,191.

Full Cosmetology at Acaydia School of Aesthetics Report

The Temple Annapolis - A Paul Mitchell Partner School came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools ranking. Located in the large suburb of Annapolis, The TEMPLE Annapolis is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $102.

Full Cosmetology at The Temple Annapolis - A Paul Mitchell Partner School Report

With a ranking of #20, The Temple - A Paul Mitchell Partner School did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. The TEMPLE Frederick is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the small city of Frederick.

For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $102.

Read full report on Cosmetology at The Temple - A Paul Mitchell Partner School

Minnesota School of Cosmetology-Woodbury Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #21 on the list. Minnesota School of Cosmetology-Woodbury Campus is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of WOODBURY.

Cosmetology majors at Minnesota School of Cosmetology-Woodbury Campus take out an average of $14,828 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $86.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Minnesota School of Cosmetology-Woodbury Campus

The Institute of Beauty and Wellness landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. The Institute of Beauty and Wellness is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of Milwaukee.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at The Institute of Beauty and Wellness take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $14,937. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $75, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Indianapolis ranked #23 on this year’s Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Aveda Fredric's Institute - Indianapolis is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Aveda Fredric's Institute - Indianapolis carry an average student debtload of $13,632. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $111, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

Paul Mitchell the School St Louis landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Paul Mitchell the School St Louis is a small private for-profit school located in the city of St. Louis.

For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $116.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School St Louis

Aveda Institute - Madison landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Aveda Institute - Madison is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of Madison.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Aveda Institute - Madison take out $14,937 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $75, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at Aveda Institute - Madison Report

Rest of the Top 50 Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools

#26

Image Maker Beauty Institute

Hendersonville, TN
#27

Stewart School

Sioux Falls, SD
#28

Mitsu Sato Hair Academy

Overland Park, KS
#30

Aveda Institute - Des Moines

West Des Moines, IA
#35

Aveda Institute - Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN
#47

Gene Juarez Academy-Mountlake Terrace

Mountlake Terrace, WA
#49

E Q School of Hair Design

Council Bluffs, IA

Remaining Award Winners

This list shows the rest of the colleges awarded a Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 960 different United States cosmetology schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 PCI Academy-Plymouth Plymouth, MN
52 Tint School of Makeup and Cosmetology-Irving Irving, TX
53 Aveda Institute - Portland Portland, OR
54 Capri College, Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids, IA
55 Hilltop Beauty School Daly City, CA
56 Fosbre Academy of Hair Design Olympia, WA
57 Penrose Academy Scottsdale, AZ
58 Skin Institute Saint Louis, MO
59 Avenue Five Institute Austin, TX
60 The Salon Professional Academy - St Charles St. Charles, MO
61 Wisconsin Academy a Paul Mitchell Partner Group-PMTS Lincoln Lincoln, NE
62 Paul Mitchell the School Sacramento Sacramento, CA
63 Cinta Aveda Institute San Francisco, CA
64 Paul Mitchell the School Denver Lakewood, CO
65 Aveda Institute - New York New York, NY
66 Avenue Five Institute - South Austin Campus Austin, TX
67 Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook Westbrook, ME
68 PCI Academy-Ames Ames, IA
69 Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body-Fargo Fargo, ND
70 Mandalyn Academy American Fork, UT
71 International Academy of Style Reno, NV
72 Black Hills Beauty College Rapid City, SD
73 Paul Mitchell the School Grand Rapids Kentwood, MI
74 Hoss Lee Academy Roseville, CA
75 Cosmetology & Spa Academy Crystal Lake, IL
76 Academy for Salon Professionals Northridge, CA
77 Studio Academy of Beauty Chandler, AZ
78 Aveda Institute Portland - Vancouver Campus Vancouver, WA
79 The Barber School Midvale, UT
80 Gene Juarez Academy-Federal Way Federal Way, WA
81 Eric Fisher Academy Wichita, KS
82 Aveda Institute - Tucson Tucson, AZ
83 Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body, Grand Forks Grand Forks, ND
84 Elaine Sterling Institute Sandy Springs, GA
85 Bella Capelli Academy Monroeville, PA
86 Paul Mitchell the School Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO
87 Z Hair Academy Overland Park, KS
88 Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-Provo Provo, UT
89 Collectiv Academy Midvale, UT
90 Empire Beauty School-Hooksett Hooksett, NH
91 Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Plano Plano, TX
92 Aveda Institute Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
93 Paul Mitchell the School Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL
94 Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design-West Jordan West Jordan, UT
95 Paul Mitchell the School Milwaukee Pawaukee, WI
96 Tint School of Makeup & Cosmetology-Seattle Seattle, WA
97 Niles School of Cosmetology Niles, IL
98 Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WI
99 The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology Downers Grove, IL
100 Summit Salon Academy - Tampa Tampa, FL
101 Aveda Institute - Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
102 The Salon Professional Academy - San Jose San Jose, CA
103 Aveda Institute - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
104 Elevate Salon Institute - Westminster Westminster, CO
105 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin Elgin, IL
106 Paul Mitchell the School Mclean McLean, VA
107 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Libertyville Libertyville, IL
108 Merrell University of Beauty Arts and Science Jefferson City, MO
109 Michaels School of Hair Design and Esthetics - A Paul Mitchell Partner School Bedford, NH
110 The Salon Professional Academy - Nashville Nashville, TN
111 Innovate Salon Academy South Plainfield, NJ
112 The Beauty Institute West Palm Beach, FL
113 Aveda Institute - Boise Boise, ID
114 Paul Mitchell the School Missouri Columbia Columbia, MO
115 Ricci’s Academy of Cosmetology Newtown, CT
116 EINE Inc Tewksbury, MA
117 The Salon Professional Academy - Shorewood Shorewood, IL
118 The Salon Professional Academy - Lewisville Lewisville, TX
119 International College of Cosmetology Oakland, CA
120 Capilo School of Hair Design Augusta, ME
121 Phagans School of Hair Design Happy Valley, OR
122 Paul Mitchell the School Salt Lake City Holladay, UT
123 Paul Mitchell the School Woodbridge Woodbridge, VA
124 The Salon Professional Academy - Evansville Evansville, IN
125 Salon Institute-Toledo Campus Toledo, OH
126 Paul Mitchell the School Normal Normal, IL
127 Gould’S-Academy Bartlett, TN
128 Cozmo Beauty School Bonita Springs, FL
129 Empire Beauty School-Michigan Grand Rapids, MI
130 Aveda Institute - Columbus Columbus, OH
131 Empire Beauty School-Boston Boston, MA
132 Paul Mitchell the School Richland Richland, WA
133 Twin City Beauty College Saint Joseph, MI
134 Paul Mitchell the School Spokane Spokane Valley, WA
135 Aveda Institute - Tallahassee Tallahassee, FL
136 Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Cranston Cranston, RI
137 Paul Mitchell the School Roanoke Roanoke, VA
138 Victoria’s Academy of Cosmetology Kennewick, WA
139 Hair Professionals Career College Sycamore, IL
140 Virginia School of Hair Design Hampton, VA
141 Paul Mitchell the School Esani Roswell, GA
142 Empire Beauty School-Laconia Laconia, NH
143 G Skin & Beauty Institute West Dundee, IL
144 Elevate Salon Institute - Durham Durham, NC

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Cosmetology students that almost earned our Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools award.

Rank College Location
145 Ohio State School of Cosmetology-Heath Heath, OH
146 Cameo College of Essential Beauty Murray, UT
147 Summit Salon Academy - Portland Tigard, OR
148 Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture-Ft Wayne Fort Wayne, IN
149 La James International College-Cedar Falls Cedar Falls, IA
150 Paul Mitchell the School Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH
151 Paul Mitchell the School Honolulu Honolulu, HI
152 Empire Beauty School-Avondale Avondale, AZ
153 Cutting Edge Academy Succasunna, NJ
154 Capri College, Dubuque Dubuque, IA
155 Capri Cosmetology Learning Centers Nanuet, NY
156 Douglas J Aveda Institute East Lansing, MI
157 Paul Mitchell the School Logan Logan, UT
158 Paul Mitchell the School Webster Webster, TX
159 Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI
160 Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Design Greenville, NC
161 The Salon Professional Academy - Tonawanda Tonawanda, NY
162 Aesthetic Science Institute Latham, NY
163 New Dimensions School of Hair Design Joplin, MO
164 Gould’s Academy Memphis, TN
165 Empire Beauty School-Green Bay Ashwaubenon, WI
166 Paul Mitchell the School Wichita Wichita, KS
167 Mitchell’s Academy - Raleigh Raleigh, NC
168 Monmouth County Vocational School District Freehold, NJ
169 Branford Academy of Hair and Cosmetology Branford, CT
170 Empire Beauty School-Lebanon Lebanon, PA
171 Academy of Hair Design - Springfield Springfield, MO
172 Paul Mitchell the School Chicago Chicago, IL
173 Imagine-Paul Mitchell Partner School North Little Rock, AR
174 Parisian Beauty School Hackensack, NJ
175 Lowell Academy Hairstyling Institute Lowell, MA
176 Empire Beauty School-Somersworth Somersworth, NH
177 Metro Beauty Academy Allentown, PA
178 Exposito School of Hair Design Amarillo, TX
179 Empire Beauty School-North Hills Pittsburgh, PA
180 Diamonds Cosmetology College Sherman, TX
181 Innovate Salon Academy - Ewing Ewing, NJ
182 Paul Mitchell the School Madison Madison, WI
183 Pinnacle Institute of Cosmetology Mooresville, NC
184 Paul Mitchell the School Arlington Arlington, TX
185 Boise Barber College Boise, ID
186 Aveda Institute - Phoenix Tempe, AZ
187 Texas College of Cosmetology-Lubbock Lubbock, TX
188 Empire Beauty School-Maine Portland, ME
189 College of Hair Design-Downtown Lincoln, NE
190 Paul Mitchell the School Tulsa Tulsa, OK
191 Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI
192 Skin Science Institute Salt Lake City, UT

Cosmetology by Region

View the Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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

Cosmetology Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist 46,395
Aesthetician/Esthetician & Skin Care Specialist 31,569
Nail Technician/Specialist & Manicurist 11,623
Barbering/Barber 8,381
Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist 2,437
Other Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts 2,278
Master Aesthetician/Esthetician 1,620
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, & Nail Instructor 1,382
Hair Styling/Stylist & Hair Design 1,029
Make-Up Artist/Specialist 566
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager 291
Electrolysis/Electrology & Electrolysis Technician 253
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing 71

Related Major Annual Graduates
Culinary Arts 19,784
Funeral & Mortuary Science 2,354
Casino Operations and Services 192
Other Personal & Culinary Services 81

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 25 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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