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2026 Best Value Cosmetology Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Cosmetology certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1613 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College analyzed schools to compile 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Cosmetology certificate degree schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,326. Graduates carry a median of $14,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,399 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Out of the 1613 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Chippewa Valley Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $9,395 in debt. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Lee College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Cosmetology ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Lee College Cosmetology students take on a median of $10,941 in debt. Lee College alumni report median earnings of $42,178 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt. See the full Lee College profile
You'll get strong value at Athens Technical College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. Students borrow a median of $8,000 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,951 ten years after entry. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Athens Technical College report
A rank of #5 makes Georgia Northwestern Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $8,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,759. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. Get the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College report
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,480, compared with $6,048 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,864. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,864 a decade after entry. Set against $10,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Ridgewater College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,827 ten years after entry. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ridgewater College
Kansas City Kansas Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kansas City, KS. Students from in state pay about $2,996 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,482 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,235 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Kansas City Kansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,795 a decade after entry. Set against $8,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Kansas City Kansas Community College profile
West Georgia Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,410, while out-of-state students pay about $5,978. West Georgia Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $8,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,479. That is a strong return on a $8,500 median debt. More on West Georgia Technical College
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Sandersville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $5,948. Oconee Fall Line Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $12,718 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,899. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Oconee Fall Line Technical College profile
Gateway Technical College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. This public school is set in Kenosha, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $7,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,264. Set against $7,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Mid State Technical College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,002, while out-of-state students pay about $7,171. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $6,081. Median earnings reach $42,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Mid State Technical College profile
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. This public school is set in Warner Robins, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,448, compared with $6,016 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,217 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,848. Set against $7,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins report
Savannah Technical College placed #15 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $19,989. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Savannah Technical College
Houston Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Houston Community College is a public school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,040, with out-of-state students paying around $5,460. Students borrow a median of $23,061 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,254 ten years after entry. Set against $23,061 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Houston Community College report
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public school based in Rice Lake, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,926, compared with $7,169 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $5,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,406 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,388, while out-of-state students pay about $5,956. Students borrow a median of $11,894 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,248. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ogeechee Technical College
Del Mar College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,500, while out-of-state students pay about $6,050. The median Cosmetology program debt is $7,476. Del Mar College alumni report median earnings of $38,656 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,476 median debt. Read the full report on Del Mar College
Southern Crescent Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Southern Crescent Technical College is a public school based in Griffin, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $17,619. Median earnings reach $36,104 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. Get the full Southern Crescent Technical College report
Howard College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Big Spring, TX, Howard College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,766 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,716. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $14,242. Howard College alumni report median earnings of $38,382 a decade after entry. Set against $14,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Howard College
Pickens Technical College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Pickens Technical College is a public school based in Aurora, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,140, with out-of-state students paying around $9,250. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $9,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,210. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. More on Pickens Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,404, compared with $5,954 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $15,716. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,619. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Augusta Technical College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,282, while out-of-state students pay about $7,492. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. Get the full Augusta Technical College report
Frank Phillips College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Borger, TX, Frank Phillips College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,712, while out-of-state students pay about $4,882. Median earnings reach $37,179 ten years out. More on Frank Phillips College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Cosmetology Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
College Of The Mainland ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,310 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,711 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $39,639 ten years out. Set against $5,711 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full College Of The Mainland report
Lanier Technical College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Gainesville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,980, compared with $7,190 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $12,278. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,623. That is a strong return on a $12,278 median debt. See the full Lanier Technical College profile
South Plains College placed #28 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $11,000. South Plains College alumni report median earnings of $41,276 a decade after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on South Plains College
Fox Valley Technical College placed #29 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Lone Star College System landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $42,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. See the full Lone Star College System profile
Cerritos College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. This public school is set in Norwalk, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $11,306. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,156. Set against $11,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cerritos College profile
Columbus Technical College placed #32 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Columbus, GA, Columbus Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,052, compared with $7,262 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $15,845. Columbus Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,238 a decade after entry. Set against $15,845 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbus Technical College
Grayson College placed #33 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,627. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,873 ten years after entry. Set against $11,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Grayson College profile
Atlanta Technical College placed #34 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,382, with out-of-state students paying around $5,950. Students borrow a median of $16,324 to complete their Cosmetology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,350. Set against $16,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Atlanta Technical College
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,791 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,062 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,791 median debt. See the full San Jacinto Community College profile
Lurleen B Wallace Community College placed #36 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Andalusia, AL, Lurleen B Wallace Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,190, compared with $9,060 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $7,500. Median earnings reach $32,307 ten years out. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Central Carolina Community College placed #37 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Sanford, NC, Central Carolina Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,711, while out-of-state students pay about $8,855. Graduates carry a median of $12,167 in student loans. Central Carolina Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,525 a decade after entry. Set against $12,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Carolina Community College report
Milwaukee Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. Milwaukee Area Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,113 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. More on Milwaukee Area Technical College
North Georgia Technical College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,279 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $32,932 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about North Georgia Technical College
Wake Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,254, while out-of-state students pay about $6,862. Wake Technical Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $7,693 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,769. That is a strong return on a $7,693 median debt. See the full Wake Technical Community College profile
Kilgore College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. This public school is set in Kilgore, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,160 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,256. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $9,500. Kilgore College alumni report median earnings of $37,975 a decade after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Kilgore College profile
Central New Mexico Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,112. Central New Mexico Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,869 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt. Read more about Central New Mexico Community College
Palm Beach State College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Lake Worth, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,050, while out-of-state students pay about $10,910. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,923 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Get the full Palm Beach State College report
Laurel Business Institute ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Uniontown, PA, Laurel Business Institute is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,713. Laurel Business Institute Cosmetology students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Laurel Business Institute alumni report median earnings of $30,819 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Laurel Business Institute report
Southeastern Technical College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Vidalia, GA, Southeastern Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,400, compared with $5,968 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,290 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,329. That is a strong return on a $10,290 median debt. See the full Southeastern Technical College profile
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Asheville, NC, Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,882, with out-of-state students paying around $9,026. The median Cosmetology program debt is $18,883. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,048. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
Penn Commercial Business Technical School offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Penn Commercial Business Technical School is a private for-profit school based in Washington, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,654. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $11,318. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,736. That is a strong return on a $11,318 median debt. Penn Commercial Business Technical School admits about 56% of applicants. See the full Penn Commercial Business Technical School profile
Weatherford College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Weatherford, TX, Weatherford College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,250, with out-of-state students paying around $10,860. Graduates carry a median of $14,099 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,397. That is a strong return on a $14,099 median debt. More on Weatherford College
Citrus College placed #49 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Citrus College is a public school based in Glendora, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,204, with out-of-state students paying around $10,636. Median earnings reach $42,065 ten years out. Get the full Citrus College report
Pensacola State College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Pensacola, FL, Pensacola State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,361, compared with $9,463 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pensacola State College
Related Cosmetology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Cosmetology Schools (All Levels)
- 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
This list is compiled 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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