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2026 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Cosmetology undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1613 institutions 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 reviewed 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Chippewa Valley Technical College to be the best-value Cosmetology school in the United States. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $9,395. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. Set against $9,395 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Waukesha County Technical College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,894. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Madison Area Technical College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,875 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,875 median debt. Get the full Madison Area 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, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $5,424. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,387. That is a strong return on a $5,424 median debt. Read more about Johnson County Community College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Cosmetology ranking in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,326. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $14,250 in debt. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. Set against $14,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Wharton County Junior College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,960 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wharton County Junior College
Clarendon College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Clarendon, TX, Clarendon College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,400 for out-of-state students. Clarendon College Cosmetology students take on a median of $11,518 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $11,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Clarendon College report
Mid State Technical College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,002, compared with $7,171 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $6,081. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,253 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mid State Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Gwinnett Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $16,349 in debt. Gwinnett Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,025 a decade after entry. Set against $16,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gwinnett Technical College
South Plains College placed #10 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,157. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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 placed #11 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,718. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,000. Lake Area Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $45,473 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read the full report on Lake Area Technical Institute
Athens Technical College placed #11 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. Students borrow a median of $8,000 to complete their Cosmetology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,951. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Athens Technical College
Ridgewater College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,121 in tuition and fees. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,750. Ridgewater College alumni report median earnings of $43,827 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,750 median debt. More on Ridgewater College
Kansas City Kansas Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public school based in Kansas City, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,996, while out-of-state students pay about $6,482. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $8,235. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,795 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kansas City Kansas Community College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College placed #15 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,926, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. The median Cosmetology program debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Arkansas State University Newport ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,312, with out-of-state students paying around $4,752. The median Cosmetology program debt is $7,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,524. Set against $7,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Arkansas State University Newport report
San Jacinto Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,490 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $8,791 median debt. Get the full San Jacinto Community College report
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,480, with out-of-state students paying around $6,048. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $10,864 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,864. Set against $10,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wiregrass Georgia Technical College profile
Howard College placed #18 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Big Spring, TX, Howard College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,766, while out-of-state students pay about $6,716. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $14,242. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,382. That is a strong return on a $14,242 median debt. More on Howard College
West Georgia Technical College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Students borrow a median of $8,500 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $35,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about West Georgia Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $8,492 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
Gateway Technical College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. Graduates carry a median of $7,958 in student loans. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Gateway Technical College
Houston Community College placed #23 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Houston Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $23,061 in debt. 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 more about Houston Community College
Pickens Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Aurora, CO, Pickens Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,140, with out-of-state students paying around $9,250. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,210 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Pickens Technical College
College Of The Mainland offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. The median Cosmetology program 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. Read the full report on College Of The Mainland
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Lone Star College System placed #26 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $5,500. A decade after starting, 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
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public school based in Warner Robins, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,448, compared with $6,016 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $7,217. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,848 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Ogeechee Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Ogeechee Technical College is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,388, while out-of-state students pay about $5,956. Students borrow a median of $11,894 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $31,248 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ogeechee Technical College
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,380, compared with $5,948 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $12,718. 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. Get the full Oconee Fall Line Technical College report
Augusta Technical College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,282 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $11,400. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,523. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Augusta Technical College
Vernon College placed #31 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Vernon, TX, Vernon College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Vernon College Cosmetology students take on a median of $12,513 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,464. Set against $12,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Vernon College report
Louisiana Delta Community College placed #32 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Louisiana Delta Community College is a public school based in Monroe, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,159 in tuition and fees. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $14,024. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,438. Set against $14,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Louisiana Delta Community College
Grayson College placed #33 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,627 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,873 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Grayson College profile
Meridian Community College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Meridian, MS, Meridian Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,078 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,478. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,368. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,002. Set against $10,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Meridian Community College
Fox Valley Technical College placed #35 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 run about $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Fox Valley Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $13,319 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,684 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. More on Fox Valley Technical College
Savannah Technical College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. The median Cosmetology program debt is $19,989. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,018. Set against $19,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Savannah Technical College profile
Southern Crescent Technical College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. Southern Crescent Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. Southern Crescent Technical College alumni report median earnings of $36,104 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Kilgore College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Kilgore, TX, Kilgore College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,160 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,256 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,975 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Kilgore College
Northwest Mississippi Community College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public school based in Senatobia, MS. Students from in state pay about $3,740 in tuition and fees. 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. See the full Northwest Mississippi Community College profile
North Shore Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Danvers, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,352, compared with $10,920 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $14,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,391. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on North Shore Community College
Milwaukee Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,500. Median earnings reach $41,113 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. Get the full Milwaukee Area Technical College report
Lanier Technical College placed #41 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,980, while out-of-state students pay about $7,190. Graduates carry a median of $12,278 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,623 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,278 median debt. More on Lanier Technical College
Cerritos College placed #43 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 average $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $11,306. Median earnings reach $41,156 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cerritos College report
East Central Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set in Decatur, MS, East Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,990, compared with $6,090 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $6,382. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,421 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full East Central Community College report
Lurleen B Wallace Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Andalusia, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,190, with out-of-state students paying around $9,060. The median Cosmetology program debt is $7,500. Lurleen B Wallace Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,307 a decade after entry. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Atlanta Technical College placed #46 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,382 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,950. The median Cosmetology program debt is $16,324. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,350 ten years after entry. Set against $16,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Atlanta Technical College
Delgado Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,279. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,305. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Delgado Community College
Columbus Technical College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,052 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,262 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,845 in student loans. 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
Century College San Juan came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Juan, PR, Century College San Juan is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,100. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $3,394. Median earnings reach $19,462 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Century College San Juan
Weatherford College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set in Weatherford, TX, Weatherford College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,250 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,860. The median Cosmetology program debt is $14,099. Median earnings reach $42,397 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,099 median debt. See the full Weatherford College profile
Related Cosmetology Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Cosmetology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Cosmetology 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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