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2026 Best Value Cosmetology Schools
Looking for the best-value Cosmetology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1613 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Trade College analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Cosmetology Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Clover Park Technical College this year in the United States. Based in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,634. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,787. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Clover Park Technical College
Out of the 1613 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #2 spot. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,326. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete their Cosmetology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. That is a strong return on a $14,250 median debt. See the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Chippewa Valley Technical College earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,395 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $46,297 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,395 median debt. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
You'll get strong value at Johnson County Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,424 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $45,387 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Cosmetology ranking in the United States. Located in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Waukesha County Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $9,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,894. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Lee College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,941. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,178 ten years after entry. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lee College report
Madison Area Technical College placed #7 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Graduates carry a median of $8,875 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,875 median debt. More on Madison Area Technical College
Wharton County Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,192 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. Wharton County Junior College Cosmetology students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Wharton County Junior College alumni report median earnings of $44,960 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wharton County Junior College report
Clarendon College placed #9 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Clarendon, TX, Clarendon College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,720, compared with $5,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $11,518. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,696. That is a strong return on a $11,518 median debt. Read the full report on Clarendon College
Athens Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, compared with $5,958 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $8,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,951 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,000 median debt. Read the full report on Athens Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College placed #11 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. The median Cosmetology program debt is $16,349. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,025. Set against $16,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Gwinnett Technical College profile
Mid State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,002, compared with $7,171 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,081 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $42,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mid State Technical College report
Ridgewater College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,121 in tuition and fees. Ridgewater College Cosmetology students take on a median of $9,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ridgewater College profile
South Plains College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $11,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on South Plains College
Lake Area Technical Institute ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,718 in tuition and fees. Lake Area Technical Institute Cosmetology students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,473 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public school based in Rome, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Georgia Northwestern Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,759 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. Read the full report on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Arkansas State University Newport ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,312 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Students borrow a median of $7,250 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Arkansas State University Newport report
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,926, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. The median Cosmetology program debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,406. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Kansas City Kansas Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Kansas City, KS, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,996, while out-of-state students pay about $6,482. Students borrow a median of $8,235 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $40,795 ten years out. Set against $8,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Kansas City Kansas Community College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,480, with out-of-state students paying around $6,048. Students borrow a median of $10,864 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $30,864 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt. Read the full report on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. The median Cosmetology program debt is $8,791. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on San Jacinto Community College
West Georgia Technical College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,978 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,479. Set against $8,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about West Georgia Technical College
Howard College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Big Spring, TX, Howard College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,766, while out-of-state students pay about $6,716. Graduates carry a median of $14,242 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,382 ten years out. Set against $14,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Howard College
Houston Community College placed #24 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,040, with out-of-state students paying around $5,460. The median Cosmetology program debt is $23,061. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,254 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Houston Community College
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,958 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,264 ten years after entry. Set against $7,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Cosmetology Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Warner Robins, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,448, with out-of-state students paying around $6,016. Students borrow a median of $7,217 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $30,848 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,217 median debt. Get the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins report
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Sandersville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,380, while out-of-state students pay about $5,948. Students borrow a median of $12,718 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Oconee Fall Line Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,899 a decade after entry. Set against $12,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Pickens Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Aurora, CO, Pickens Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,140, while out-of-state students pay about $9,250. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Cosmetology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,210. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Get the full Pickens Technical College report
Savannah Technical College placed #29 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Savannah, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $19,989. Savannah Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,018 a decade after entry. Set against $19,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Savannah Technical College
Central New Mexico Community College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Central New Mexico Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $10,112 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,869 ten years after entry. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central New Mexico Community College
College Of The Mainland ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $5,711. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,639. Set against $5,711 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on College Of The Mainland
Ogeechee Technical College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,388, while out-of-state students pay about $5,956. Ogeechee Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $11,894 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,248 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Del Mar College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. This public school is set in Corpus Christi, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,500 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. Del Mar College Cosmetology students take on a median of $7,476 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,656. That is a strong return on a $7,476 median debt. Get the full Del Mar College report
Lone Star College System landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lone Star College System
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #36 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,619 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,104 ten years after entry. Set against $17,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southern Crescent Technical College report
Frank Phillips College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Borger, TX, Frank Phillips College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,712, compared with $4,882 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,179 ten years after entry. See the full Frank Phillips College profile
Augusta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,400 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Georgia Piedmont Technical College placed #39 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,404, while out-of-state students pay about $5,954. Graduates carry a median of $15,716 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,619. That is a strong return on a $15,716 median debt. More on Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Vernon College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Vernon College is a public school based in Vernon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,720, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Vernon College Cosmetology students take on a median of $12,513 in debt. Vernon College alumni report median earnings of $40,464 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,513 median debt. See the full Vernon College profile
Louisiana Delta Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,159. The median Cosmetology program debt is $14,024. Louisiana Delta Community College alumni report median earnings of $30,438 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Louisiana Delta Community College
Meridian Community College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Meridian, MS, Meridian Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,078, while out-of-state students pay about $6,478. Meridian Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $10,368 in debt. Median earnings reach $31,002 ten years out. Set against $10,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Meridian Community College
Fox Valley Technical College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,319 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Lanier Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,980, compared with $7,190 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $12,278. Median earnings reach $37,623 ten years out. Set against $12,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lanier Technical College profile
Cerritos College placed #45 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Cerritos College is a public school based in Norwalk, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Students borrow a median of $11,306 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $41,156 ten years out. Set against $11,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cerritos College report
Grayson College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. Grayson College Cosmetology students take on a median of $11,627 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,873 ten years out. Set against $11,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Grayson College
Northwest Mississippi Community College placed #47 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Senatobia, MS, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,740. The median Cosmetology program debt is $5,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,396 ten years after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest Mississippi Community College
North Shore Community College placed #48 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,352, while out-of-state students pay about $10,920. Graduates carry a median of $14,145 in student loans. North Shore Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,391 a decade after entry. Set against $14,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about North Shore Community College
Columbus Technical College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, GA, Columbus Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,052, with out-of-state students paying around $7,262. The median Cosmetology program debt is $15,845. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,238. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Columbus Technical College
Central Piedmont Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,792 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,936. Central Piedmont Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $11,861 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,865 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Piedmont Community College
Atlanta Technical College landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,382, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,324 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,350. That is a strong return on a $16,324 median debt. Read more about Atlanta Technical College
Best Value Cosmetology Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Cosmetology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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