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Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools

2023 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools

Identifying Quality Schools at More Affordable Prices

960 Colleges
$5,940 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,041 Avg Salary

Finding the Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate School for You

In 2021-2022, 124,611 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.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Trade College Search has created the Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 960 schools in the United States to see which undergraduate certificate programs offered the best value experiences for cosmetology students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

2023 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the United States

The following schools top our list of the Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Colleges.

Top 25 Best Schools for Affordable Quality for an Award Taking 1 to 4 Years in Cosmetology

Our analysis found Chippewa Valley Technical College to be the best value school for cosmetology students who want to pursue a undergraduate certificate in the United States. CVTC is a medium-sized public school located in the small city of Eau Claire.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at CVTC are $6,793 a year. On average, cosmetology graduates from CVTC take out $10,815 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

CVTC excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 5% of all schools on our Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Chippewa Valley Technical College

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Waukesha County Technical College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools list. WCTC is a moderately-sized public school located in the large suburb of Pewaukee.

WCTC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,722 in tuition and fees each year. Cosmetology majors at WCTC take out an average of $8,974 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, WCTC also did well on our Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Full Cosmetology at Waukesha County Technical College Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Madison Area Technical College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools list. Madison College is a large public school located in the city of Madison.

Madison College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,812 in tuition and fees each year.

In addition to its great value ranking, Madison College is in the top 5% of all schools on our Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Madison Area Technical College

#4

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, KS

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Johnson County Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best value cosmetology schools in the United States. JCCC is a large public school located in the midsize city of Overland Park.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at JCCC are $5,472 per year. While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at JCCC accumulate an average of around $7,515 in student debt.

Full Cosmetology at Johnson County Community College Report

#5

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul, MN

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Saint Paul College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools list. Located in the large city of Saint Paul, Saint Paul College is a public school with a moderately-sized student population.

Saint Paul College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,318 in tuition and fees each year. On average, cosmetology graduates from Saint Paul College take out $9,702 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Saint Paul College excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Saint Paul College

Wharton County Junior College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking. Wharton County Junior College is a moderately-sized public school located in the distant town of Wharton.

Wharton County Junior College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,052 in tuition and fees each year. While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Wharton County Junior College accumulate an average of around $6,801 in student debt.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Wharton County Junior College

#7

Clarendon College

Clarendon, TX

Clarendon College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Located in the remote area of Clarendon, Clarendon College is a public school with a small student population.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Clarendon College are $5,400 a year. While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Clarendon College accumulate an average of around $11,106 in student debt.

Full Cosmetology at Clarendon College Report

#8

Mid-State Technical College

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Mid-State Technical College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools list. Mid-State is a small public school located in the rural area of Wisconsin Rapids.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Mid-State are $6,850 a year. On average, cosmetology graduates from Mid-State take out $6,206 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Mid-State excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list.

Read More…

#9

Gwinnett Technical College

Lawrenceville, GA

Gwinnett Technical College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking. GTC is a medium-sized public school located in the suburb of Lawrenceville.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at GTC are $5,686 a year. The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at GTC take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $12,265.

Full Cosmetology at Gwinnett Technical College Report

#10

South Plains College

Levelland, TX

South Plains College ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools list. South Plains College is a moderately-sized public school located in the distant town of Levelland.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at South Plains College are $4,857 per year. Cosmetology majors at South Plains College take out an average of $12,593 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Read More…

Athens Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #11 on the list. Located in the medium-sized city of Athens, Athens Technical College is a public college with a small student population.

Athens Technical College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,462 in tuition and fees each year.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Athens Technical College

With a ranking of #11, Lake Area Technical Institute did quite well on this year’s best value schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. LATI is a small public school located in the remote town of Watertown.

LATI undergraduate students pay an average of $6,718 in tuition and fees each year.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, LATI also is in the top 10% of our Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools ranking.

Full Cosmetology at Lake Area Technical Institute Report

#13

Ridgewater College

Willmar, MN

Ridgewater College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Located in the remote town of Willmar, Ridgewater College is a public college with a small student population.

Ridgewater College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,114 in tuition and fees each year.

Ridgewater College also claimed a spot on our Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Full Cosmetology at Ridgewater College Report

Kansas City Kansas Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Kansas City Kansas Community College is a small public school located in the midsize city of Kansas City.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Kansas City Kansas Community College are $6,244 per year. After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Kansas City Kansas Community College carry an average student debtload of $5,046.

Full Cosmetology at Kansas City Kansas Community College Report

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking. Located in the rural area of Shell Lake, WITC is a public school with a small student population.

WITC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,624 in tuition and fees each year. After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from WITC carry an average student debtload of $5,009.

In addition to its great value ranking, WITC is in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list.

Read More…

Arkansas State University - Newport ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools list. ASUN is a small public school located in the rural area of Newport.

ASUN undergraduate students pay an average of $4,416 in tuition and fees each year. After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from ASUN carry an average student debtload of $6,475.

Read More…

San Jacinto Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools list. San Jacinto College is a fairly large public school located in the large suburb of Pasadena.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at San Jacinto College are $5,040 a year. On average, cosmetology graduates from San Jacinto College take out $9,945 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Read full report on Cosmetology at San Jacinto Community College

#18

Howard College

Big Spring, TX

Howard College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Howard County Junior College is a small public school located in the distant town of Big Spring.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Howard County Junior College are $6,030 per year. Cosmetology majors at Howard County Junior College take out an average of $4,932 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Full Cosmetology at Howard College Report

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools list. Located in the small suburb of Valdosta, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public school with a small student population.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College are $5,562 per year.

Full Cosmetology at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Report

West Georgia Technical College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking. Located in the rural area of Waco, West Georgia Technical College is a public school with a medium-sized student population.

West Georgia Technical College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,522 in tuition and fees each year. After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from West Georgia Technical College carry an average student debtload of $8,885.

Read More…

With a ranking of #21, Georgia Northwestern Technical College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the city of Rome, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public school with a medium-sized student population.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,512 in tuition and fees each year.

Full Cosmetology at Georgia Northwestern Technical College Report

Gateway Technical College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Located in the midsize suburb of Kenosha, Gateway Technical College is a public college with a medium-sized student population.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Gateway Technical College are $6,917 a year. After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Gateway Technical College carry an average student debtload of $7,917.

Gateway Technical College also claimed a spot on our Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Gateway Technical College

Houston Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking. Located in the city of Houston, Houston Community College is a public college with a very large student population.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Houston Community College are $5,460 per year. On average, cosmetology graduates from Houston Community College take out $11,559 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Read More…

Pickens Technical College ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools list. Pickens Technical College is a fairly small public school located in the large city of Aurora.

Pickens Technical College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,830 in tuition and fees each year.

Full Cosmetology at Pickens Technical College Report

#25

College of the Mainland

Texas City, TX

College of the Mainland did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #25 on the list. Located in the medium-sized suburb of Texas City, COM is a public college with a small student population.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at COM are $3,873 per year. While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at COM accumulate an average of around $6,175 in student debt.

Read More…

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools

#26

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, TX
#27

Central Georgia Technical College

Warner Robins, GA
#28

Ogeechee Technical College

Statesboro, GA
#31

Vernon College

Vernon, TX
#33

Grayson College

Denison, TX
#33

Meridian Community College

Meridian, MS
#36

Savannah Technical College

Savannah, GA
#38

Kilgore College

Kilgore, TX
#41

Lanier Technical College

Gainesville, GA
#43

Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA
#47

Columbus Technical College

Columbus, GA
#47

Delgado Community College

New Orleans, LA
#49

Century College

San Juan, PR
#50

Weatherford College

Weatherford, TX

Remaining Award Winners

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

Rank College Location
51 Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NC
52 North Georgia Technical College Clarkesville, GA
53 Pearl River Community College Poplarville, MS
54 Holmes Community College Goodman, MS
55 El Paso Community College El Paso, TX
56 Laurel Business Institute Uniontown, PA
57 Georgia Piedmont Technical College Clarkston, GA
58 Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC
59 Central Carolina Community College Sanford, NC
60 Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FL
61 Penn Commercial Business/Technical School Washington, PA
62 Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Asheville, NC
63 Indian River State College Fort Pierce, FL
64 Citrus College Glendora, CA
64 IBMC College Fort Collins, CO
66 Southeastern Technical College Vidalia, GA
67 Navarro College Corsicana, TX
68 Golden West College Huntington Beach, CA
68 Pensacola State College Pensacola, FL
70 Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CA
71 Trinidad State Junior College Trinidad, CO
72 Springfield Technical Community College Springfield, MA
73 Lake Land College Mattoon, IL
74 Daytona State College Daytona Beach, FL
75 Laurel Technical Institute MEADVILLE, PA
76 Riverside City College Riverside, CA
77 San Diego City College San Diego, CA
77 Florida Gateway College Lake City, FL
79 Laurel Technical Institute Hermitage, PA
80 Liceo de Arte-Dise-O y Comercio Caguas, PR
81 Remington College - Mobile Campus Mobile, AL
82 Remington College - Lafayette Campus Lafayette, LA
83 Cleveland Community College Shelby, NC
84 University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College North Little Rock, AR
85 Southwestern Community College Sylva, NC
86 Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Hudson, NC
87 Douglas Education Center Monessen, PA
88 Northern Michigan University Marquette, MI
89 Robeson Community College Lumberton, NC
90 Arapahoe Community College Littleton, CO
91 Somerset Community College Somerset, KY
92 City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College Chicago, IL
93 Greenville Technical College Greenville, SC
94 Carteret Community College Morehead City, NC
95 Idaho State University Pocatello, ID
96 Dorsey College, Roseville Roseville, MI
97 Fortis Institute - Pensacola Pensacola, FL
98 The Salon Professional Academy - St Charles St. Charles, MO
98 Academy of Hair Design - Beaumont Beaumont, TX
98 Advance Beauty College Garden Grove, CA
98 Vogue College of Cosmetology San Antonio, TX
98 Paul Mitchell the School Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH
98 Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Nails-Columbia Columbia, SC
98 Salon Success Academy - Corona Corona, CA
98 Nova Academy of Cosmetology Rochester, MN
98 Shore Beauty School Egg Harbor Township, NJ
98 Academy of Hair Design - Grenada Grenada, MS
98 Total Image Beauty Academy Union City, NJ
98 Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-West New York West New York, NJ
98 La James International College-Cedar Falls Cedar Falls, IA
98 Xenon International Academy-Omaha Omaha, NE
98 National Beauty College Canton, OH
98 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
98 Clary Sage College Tulsa, OK
98 Renaissance Academie Provo, UT
98 The Salon Professional Academy - Washington DC Washington, DC
98 The Salon Professional Academy - Lewisville Lewisville, TX
98 Erie 1 BOCES West Seneca, NY
98 Aveda Institute - New Mexico Albuquerque, NM
98 Artistic Nails and Beauty Academy - Tampa Tampa, FL
98 International College of Cosmetology Oakland, CA
98 VICI Beauty School Greenfield, WI
98 Empire Beauty School-Brooklyn Brooklyn, NY
98 Florida Barber Academy Plantation, FL
98 Academia Serrant Inc Ponce, PR
98 Academy for Salon Professionals Northridge, CA
98 Hollywood Institute - Margate Margate, FL
98 Wisconsin Academy a Paul Mitchell Partner Group-PMTS Lincoln Lincoln, NE
98 BJ’s Beauty & Barber College Tacoma, WA
98 PJ’s College of Cosmetology-Glasgow Glasgow, KY
98 Austin’s Beauty College Inc Clarksville, TN
98 Elaine Sterling Institute Atlanta, GA
98 Olympian Academy of Cosmetology Alamogordo, NM
98 Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy-Lubbock Lubbock, TX
98 Cheeks Beauty Academy-Cheyenne Cheyenne, WY
98 Butler Beauty Academy - New Castle Beauty Academy New Castle, PA
98 Technical College of the Rockies Delta, CO
98 Empire Beauty School-Morrow Morrow, GA
98 Hair Professionals School of Cosmetology Oswego, IL
98 Midway Paris Beauty School Ridgewood, NY
98 Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Columbia Columbia, SC
98 Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES Liverpool, NY
98 Bellus Academy - Poway Poway, CA
98 Gene Juarez Academy-Federal Way Federal Way, WA
98 Empire Beauty School-Avondale Avondale, AZ
98 Manuel and Theresa’s School of Hair Design-Victoria Victoria, TX
98 Empire Beauty School-Lancaster Lancaster, PA
98 Charleston School of Beauty Culture Charleston, WV
98 The Salon Professional Academy Cedar Falls, IA
98 Virginia School of Hair Design Hampton, VA
98 David Pressley School of Cosmetology Royal Oak, MI
98 Elite School of Cosmetology Norwalk, OH
98 Paul Mitchell the School St Louis St. Louis, MO
98 Protege Academy East Lansing, MI
98 Parisian Beauty School Hackensack, NJ
98 Josef’s School of Hair, Skin & Body, Grand Forks Grand Forks, ND
98 Beau Monde Academy of Cosmetology Portland, OR
98 The Salon Professional Academy - Kenosha Kenosha, WI
98 Academy of Hair Design - Jackson Jackson, MS
98 La James International College-Ft Dodge Fort Dodge, IA
98 Cinta Aveda Institute San Francisco, CA
98 Southern Careers Institute - Brownsville Brownsville, TX
98 Paul Mitchell the School Normal Normal, IL
98 Adrian’s College of Beauty Turlock Turlock, CA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island Cranston, RI
98 American Beauty College West Covina, CA
98 Milan Institute of Cosmetology-Reno Reno, NV
98 Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Arlington Arlington, TX
98 John Amico School of Hair Design Oak Forest, IL
98 Bella Capelli Academy Monroeville, PA
98 Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork Lancaster, PA
98 Casal Aveda Institute Niles, OH
98 Empire Beauty School-Lehigh Valley Whitehall, PA
98 Montana Academy of Salons Great Falls, MT
98 Capri Institute of Hair Design, Kenilworth Kenilworth, NJ
98 Moler Barber College Oakland, CA
98 The Salon Professional Academy - Shorewood Plainfield, IL
98 Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, North Dayton Dayton, OH
98 The Salon Professional Academy - Evansville Evansville, IN
98 Designer Barber & Stylist School Ft Smith, AR
98 The Beauty Institute-Ambler Ambler, PA
98 Sunstate Academy Clearwater, FL
98 Advanced Barber College and Hair Design Weslaco, TX
98 Elevate Salon Institute - Westminster Westminster, CO
98 Paul Mitchell the School Milwaukee Wauwatosa, WI
98 Luckes Beauty Academy Newport News, VA
98 Profile Institute of Barber-Styling Atlanta, GA
98 Arthur’s Beauty College - Jonesboro Jonesboro, AR
98 Palm Beach Academy of Health & Beauty Lake Park, FL
98 Advanced College of Cosmetology Waupun, WI
98 Avery James School of Cosmetology Lake Charles, LA
98 Aveda Institute - Twin Falls Twin Falls, ID
98 Paul Mitchell the School Webster Webster, TX
98 Arkansas College of Barbering and Hair Design North Little Rock, AR
98 Ohio State School of Cosmetology-Canal Winchester CANAL WINCHESTER, OH
98 Central College of Cosmetology Saint Robert, MO
98 Lake Technical College Eustis, FL
98 Blue Cliff College - Houma Houma, LA
98 Western Suffolk BOCES Northport, NY
98 Paul Mitchell the School Delaware Newark, DE
98 Brittany Beauty Academy Levittown, NY
98 Brittany Beauty Academy Brooklyn, NY
98 Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Design Greenville, NC
98 Montgomery Beauty School Silver Spring, MD
98 Manuel and Theresa’s School of Hair Design-Bryan Bryan, TX
98 Glen Dow Academy of Hair Design Spokane, WA
98 Staunton School of Cosmetology Staunton, VA
98 New Tyler Barber College Inc North Little Rock, AR
98 Paul Mitchell the School Tulsa Tulsa, OK
98 Cloyd’s Beauty School 3 Inc Monroe, LA
98 Coba Academy Anaheim, CA
98 Florida Academy Fort Myers, FL
98 Paul Mitchell the School Nampa Nampa, ID
98 Phagans School of Beauty Salem, OR
98 Dallas Barber & Stylist College Dallas, TX
98 Northwest College School of Beauty - Tualatin Tualatin, OR
98 Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Paris Paris, TN
98 All Beauty College Lake Havasu City, AZ
98 Celebrity School of Beauty Miami, FL
98 Paul Mitchell the School Overland Park Overland Park, KS
98 Emma’s Beauty Academy-Juana Diaz Juana Diaz, PR
98 Empire Beauty School-Pineville Charlotte, NC
98 Shasta School of Cosmetology Redding, CA
98 Aveda Institute - South Florida Davie, FL
98 Aveda Institute - Portland Portland, OR
98 Allstate Hairstyling & Barber College Cleveland, OH
98 Gerbers Akron Beauty School Akron, OH
98 Waynes College of Beauty Salinas, CA
98 Summit Salon Academy - Lexington Lexington, KY
98 Flair Beauty College Valencia, CA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Columbia West Columbia, SC
98 Vogue College of Cosmetology-Santa Fe Santa Fe, NM
98 Long Island Beauty School-Hempstead Hempstead, NY
98 Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Albuquerque Albuquerque, NM
98 Grabber School of Hair Design St. Louis, MO
98 Avenue Five Institute - South Austin Campus Austin, TX
98 Nuvo College of Cosmetology Norton Shores, MI
98 Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Rock Hill Rock Hill, SC
98 Cosmo Beauty Academy Sacramento, CA
98 Exposito School of Hair Design Amarillo, TX
98 Aveda Institute - Madison Madison, WI
98 Empire Beauty School-Owings Mills Owings Mills, MD
98 Academy of Hair Design - Jasper Jasper, TX
98 Arthur’s Beauty School Inc - Conway Conway, AR
98 Brown Aveda Institute - Strongsville Strongsville, OH
98 Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield, Missouri Springfield, MO
98 Don Roberts School of Hair Design Schererville, IN
98 Empire Beauty School-Aurora Aurora, CO
98 Hair Professionals Career College Sycamore, IL
98 Butler Beauty Academy Butler, PA
98 Michigan Barber School Inc Detroit, MI
98 Paul Mitchell the School Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL
98 Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Worcester Worcester, MA
98 MTI College Sacramento, CA
98 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Janesville Janesville, WI
98 Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-North Augusta North Augusta, SC
98 Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Atlanta Marietta, GA
98 Hays Academy of Hair Design Hays, KS
98 Avalon School of Cosmetology - Layton Layton, UT
98 Paul Mitchell the School Richland Richland, WA
98 Studio Beauty School Spokane Valley, WA
98 Lancaster Beauty School Lancaster, CA
98 Tenaj Salon Institute The Villages, FL
98 New Concept Massage and Beauty School Miami, FL
98 Bellus Academy - National City Chula Vista, CA
98 Paul Mitchell the School North Haven North Haven, CT
98 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Bridgeview Bridgeview, IL
98 Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology Pine Brook, NJ
98 Empire Beauty School-Elizabethtown Elizabethtown, KY
98 La Belle Beauty School Hialeah, FL
98 Brown Aveda Institute - Mentor Mentor, OH
98 Blue Cliff College - Metairie Metairie, LA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Raleigh Raleigh, NC
98 Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture-Ft Wayne Fort Wayne, IN
98 Paul Mitchell the School Huntsville Madison, AL
98 Capri College, Dubuque Dubuque, IA
98 Career School of NY Staten Island, NY
98 Capri Cosmetology Learning Centers Nanuet, NY
98 Empire Beauty School-NE Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
98 Phagans Beauty College Corvallis, OR
98 Paul Mitchell the School Temecula Temecula, CA
98 Crevier’s Academy of Cosmetology Arts Kalispell, MT
98 Davis Technical College Kaysville, UT
98 Professional’s Choice Hair Design Academy Joliet, IL
98 Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook Westbrook, ME
98 Mandalyn Academy American Fork, UT
98 Paul Mitchell the School Lombard Lombard, IL
98 International Beauty Education Center Airway Heights, WA
98 Advance Beauty Techs Academy San Jacinto, CA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Arlington Arlington, TX
98 Northwest Educational Center Houston, TX
98 Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance Alliance, OH
98 Florida Academy of Health & Beauty Oakland Park, FL
98 Academy Di Capelli - School of Cosmetology Wallingford, CT
98 School Removed
98 Lowell Academy Hairstyling Institute Lowell, MA
98 Empire Beauty School-Laconia Laconia, NH
98 Empire Beauty School-Peekskill Peekskill, NY
98 Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Cranston Cranston, RI
98 Metro Beauty Academy Allentown, PA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Greenville Greenville, SC
98 LeGrand Institute of Cosmetology Inc Camden, SC
98 Loraines Academy & Spa Saint Petersburg, FL
98 Paul Mitchell the School Schenectady Schenectady, NY
98 Elevate Salon Institute Royal Oak, MI
98 Aspen Beauty Academy of Laurel Laurel, MD
98 Empire Beauty School-Spring Lake Park Spring Lake Park, MN
98 School Removed
98 Fredrick and Charles Beauty College Eureka, CA
98 The Institute of Beauty and Wellness Milwaukee, WI
98 Empire Beauty School-Bloomfield Bloomfield, NJ
98 San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc San Francisco, CA
98 Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OK
98 G Skin & Beauty Institute Schaumburg, IL
98 Paul Mitchell the School Missouri Columbia Columbia, MO
98 Queen City College Clarksville, TN
98 Capri Institute of Hair Design, Brick Brick, NJ
98 Mitchell’s Academy - Wilson Wilson, NC
98 Continental School of Beauty Culture, Mattydale Mattydale, NY
98 Elite College of Cosmetology Lexington, TN
98 Empire Beauty School-Tucson Tucson, AZ
98 Blue Cliff College - Lafayette Lafayette, LA
98 Northwest College School of Beauty - Medford Medford, OR
98 Paul Mitchell the School Twin Falls TWIN FALLS, ID
98 Empire Beauty School-Pottsville Pottsville, PA
98 Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Plano Plano, TX
98 Warren County Career Center Lebanon, OH
98 Joseph’s College Cosmetology Lincoln, NE
98 Empire Beauty School-Speedway Speedway, IN
98 Salon Success Academy - Redlands Redlands, CA
98 La James College of Hairstyling and Cosmetology Mason City, IA
98 Dorsey School of Beauty - Taylor Taylor, MI
98 Summit Salon Academy - Gainesville Gainesville, FL
98 Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology Dekalb, IL
98 Sharps Academy of Hair Styling Grand Blanc, MI
98 International College of Beauty Arts & Sciences Los Angeles, CA
98 Genesis Career College-Lebanon Lebanon, TN
98 School Removed
98 Continental School of Beauty Culture, West Seneca West Seneca, NY
98 Central Oklahoma College Oklahoma City, OK
98 Missouri College of Cosmetology North Springfield, MO
98 Salon Success Academy - Upland Upland, CA
98 School Removed
98 Parisian Spa Institute Jacksonville, FL
98 Milan Institute-Clovis Clovis, CA
98 Stage One-The Hair School Lake Charles, LA
98 Victoria Beauty College Inc Victoria, TX
98 Paul Mitchell the School Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
98 Beauty Academy of South Florida Hialeah Gardens, FL
98 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Peoria Peoria, IL
98 Ideal Beauty Academy Jeffersonville, IN
98 J Michael Harrold Beauty Academy Terre Haute, IN
98 Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Shoreline Shoreline, WA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Grand Rapids Kentwood, MI
98 Rizzieri Aveda School for Beauty and Wellness Voorhees, NJ
98 The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology Downers Grove, IL
98 College of Wilmington Wilmington, NC
98 Boca Beauty Academy Boca Raton, FL
98 First Coast Technical College Saint Augustine, FL
98 School Removed
98 Texas College of Cosmetology-Abilene Abilene, TX
98 Stylemaster College of Hair Design Longview, WA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Michigan Sterling Heights, MI
98 Summit Salon Academy - Portland Tigard, OR
98 Empire Beauty School-Augusta Augusta, GA
98 Bennett Career Institute Washington, DC
98 Oehrlein School of Cosmetology East Peoria, IL
98 Trenz Beauty Academy Calumet City, IL
98 Keune Academy by 124 Lawrenceville, GA
98 Empire Beauty School-York York, PA
98 House of Heavilin Beauty College-Academy of Beauty Professionals Appleton, WI
98 Career Academy of Beauty Garden Grove, CA
98 Hillsdale Beauty College Hillsdale, MI
98 PCI Academy-Plymouth Plymouth, MN
98 Fosbre Academy of Hair Design Olympia, WA
98 University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts Springfield, IL
98 Lyle’s College of Beauty Fresno, CA
98 Paul Mitchell the School San Diego San Diego, CA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Salt Lake City Holladay, UT
98 Academy of Hair Design - Lufkin Lufkin, TX
98 Paul Mitchell the School Miami Miami, FL
98 Milan Institute of Cosmetology-El Paso El Paso, TX
98 The Salon Professional Academy Nampa, ID
98 Ohio State College of Barber Styling Columbus, OH
98 Paul Mitchell the School Memphis Memphis, TN
98 Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-Perth Amboy Boynton Beach, FL
98 Professional Cosmetology Education Center El Dorado, AR
98 Paul Mitchell the School Toledo Sylvania, OH
98 The Temple - A Paul Mitchell Partner School Frederick, MD
98 Moler Hollywood Beauty Academy Cincinnati, OH
98 Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Hurst Hurst, TX
98 Palomar Institute of Cosmetology San Marcos, CA
98 Milan Institute of Cosmetology-La Quinta La Quinta, CA
98 Elite Cosmetology, Barber & Spa Academy Yakima, WA
98 Divine Crown Barber & Beauty Academy Harrisburg, PA
98 Mississippi College of Beauty Culture Laurel, MS
98 School Removed
98 Florida College of Natural Health-Pompano Beach Pompano Beach, FL
98 Tricoci University of Beauty Cuture LLC-Bloomington Bloomington, IN
98 Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines Des Moines, IA
98 Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis Memphis, TN
98 Cutting Edge Academy Succasunna, NJ
98 Lytles Redwood Empire Beauty College Inc Santa Rosa, CA
98 Empire Beauty School-Thornton Thornton, CO
98 Paul Mitchell the School Tampa Tampa, FL
98 Salon & Spa Institute Brownsville, TX
98 Paul Mitchell the School Woodbridge Woodbridge, VA
98 College of Hair Design-East Campus Lincoln, NE
98 Phagans Grants Pass College of Beauty Grants Pass, OR
98 Trend Barber College Houston, TX
98 Protege Academy Mt. Pleasant, MI
98 Black Hills Beauty College Rapid City, SD
98 Empire Beauty School-Chenoweth Louisville, KY
98 The Spa School Columbus, OH
98 Gene Juarez Academy-Mountlake Terrace Mountlake Terrace, WA
98 Inner State Beauty School Lyndhurst, OH
98 DuVall’s School of Cosmetology Bedford, TX
98 Alhambra Beauty College Alhambra, CA
98 Bellus Academy - El Cajon El Cajon, CA
98 Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-San Antonio San Antonio, TX
98 Bayshire Academy of Beauty Craft Inc Bay City, MI
98 All Beauty College Bullhead City, AZ
98 Vanguard College of Cosmetology-Metairie Metairie, LA
98 Continental School of Beauty Culture, Rochester Rochester, NY
98 Skin Institute Saint Louis, MO
98 Cameo College of Essential Beauty Murray, UT
98 Maryland Beauty Academy of Essex Baltimore, MD
98 Georgia Career Institute Conyers, GA
98 Victoria’s Academy of Cosmetology Kennewick, WA
98 Northwest College School of Beauty - Clackamas Happy Valley, OR
98 Branford Academy of Hair and Cosmetology Branford, CT
98 Mr Leon’s School of Hair Design-Moscow Moscow, ID
98 Institute of Technology Clovis, CA
98 Health and Style Institute Greensboro, NC
98 Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy Amarillo, TX
98 Hawaii Institute of Hair Design Honolulu, HI
98 Salon Institute-Toledo Campus Toledo, OH
98 Empire Beauty School-Jackson Jackson, TN
98 Sierra College of Beauty Merced, CA
98 Bellus Academy Manhattan, KS
98 Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc-Boardman Boardman, OH
98 Miller-Motte College Conway Conway, SC
98 Denham Springs Beauty School Denham Springs, LA
98 UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences-Harlingen Harlingen, TX
98 Empire Beauty School-Littleton Littleton, CO
98 Model College of Hair Design Saint Cloud, MN
98 Hoss Lee Academy Roseville, CA
98 American Institute of Beauty Largo, FL
98 Academy of Hair Design - Springfield Springfield, MO
98 Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Spartanburg Spartanburg, SC
98 Paul Mitchell the School Madison Madison, WI
98 Champion Beauty College Houston, TX
98 Ravenscroft Beauty College Fort Wayne, IN
98 Sunstate Academy Fort Myers, FL
98 John Wesley International Barber and Beauty College Long Beach, CA
98 Hilltop Beauty School Daly City, CA
98 Penrose Academy Scottsdale, AZ
98 Empire Beauty School-West Greensboro Greensboro, NC
98 Professional Institute of Beauty El Monte, CA
98 Capri Institute of Hair Design, Paramus Paramus, NJ
98 Capri College, Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids, IA
98 Aesthetic Science Institute Latham, NY
98 Aveda Institute - San Antonio San Antonio, TX
98 Barber School of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA
98 Empire Beauty School-Charlotte Charlotte, NC
98 Magnolia College of Cosmetology Jackson, MS
98 Empire Beauty School-Bloomington Bloomington, MN
98 L’esprit Academy Canton, MI
98 TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy Scottsdale, AZ
98 Career Academy of Hair Design Springdale, AR
98 Paul Mitchell the School Modesto Modesto, CA
98 School Removed
98 Summit Salon Academy - Anderson Anderson, IN
98 Empire Beauty School-Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH
98 Academy of Career Training Kissimmee, FL
98 Aveda Institute - Phoenix Tempe, AZ
98 ZMS The Academy Los Angeles, CA
98 Gary Manuel Aveda Institute Seattle, WA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Costa Mesa Costa Mesa, CA
98 Tint School of Makeup and Cosmetology-Irving Irving, TX
98 Paul Mitchell the School Louisville Louisville, KY
98 Paul Mitchell the School Atlanta Atlanta, GA
98 Blue Cliff College - Alexandria Alexandria, LA
98 Hair Academy Inc-New Carrollton New Carrollton, MD
98 Paul Mitchell the School Gastonia Gastonia, NC
98 Capri College, Davenport Davenport, IA
98 Empire Beauty School-Wyoming Valley Moosic, PA
98 Collectiv Academy Sandy, UT
98 Aveda Institute - Des Moines West Des Moines, IA
98 Venus Beauty Academy Sharon Hill, PA
98 Total Transformation Institute of Cosmetology San Marcos, TX
98 Academy of Hair Technology Greenville, SC
98 Orange Technical College - Westside Campus Winter Garden, FL
98 The Salon Professional Academy - Nashville Nashville, TN
98 Northwest College School of Beauty - Beaverton Beaverton, OR
98 CRU Institute of Cosmetology and Barbering Garden Grove, CA
98 Genesis Career College-Cookeville Cookeville, TN
98 Niles School of Cosmetology Niles, IL
98 Avenue Five Institute Austin, TX
98 Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Florence Florence, SC
98 Paul Mitchell the School Springfield Springfield, MO
98 University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology Chicago, IL
98 Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO
98 Salon Success Academy - Riverside Riverside, CA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Murfreesboro Murfreesboro, TN
98 Moler-Pickens Beauty Academy Fairfield, OH
98 PJ’s College of Cosmetology-Bowling Green Bowling Green, KY
98 Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Goose Creek Goose Creek, SC
98 Atlanta School of Massage Atlanta, GA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Orlando Oviedo, FL
98 Milan Institute of Cosmetology-San Antonio Military San Antonio, TX
98 Empire Beauty School-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI
98 Crave Beauty Academy Wichita, KS
98 Associated Barber College of San Diego San Diego, CA
98 Vogue College of Cosmetology-McAllen McAllen, TX
98 Ohio State Beauty Academy Lima, OH
98 Houston Training School-Main Campus Houston, TX
98 Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Rio Rancho Rio Rancho, NM
98 Modern Beauty Academy Oxnard, CA
98 Seguin Beauty School-Seguin Seguin, TX
98 Empire Beauty School-Hooksett Hooksett, NH
98 Altoona Beauty School Inc Altoona, PA
98 Rivertown School of Beauty Barber Skin Care and Nails Columbus, GA
98 Great Lakes Institute of Technology Erie, PA
98 Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg Harrisburg, PA
98 Mr Wayne’s School of Unisex Hair Design Cookeville, TN
98 ,
98 Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute, Covington Covington, LA
98 Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett Everett, WA
98 Dalton Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology Dalton, GA
98 Empire Beauty School-Lebanon Lebanon, PA
98 Blake Austin College Vacaville, CA
98 Corinth Academy of Cosmetology Corinth, MS
98 The Beauty School Stroudsburg, PA
98 Leons Beauty School Inc Greensboro, NC
98 Instituto Educativo Premier Ponce, PR
98 School Removed
98 Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Dallas Dallas, TX
98 Academy of Esthetics and Cosmetology San Fernando, CA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Houston Houston, TX
98 Aveda Institute - Boise Boise, ID
98 Intellitec College - Grand Junction Grand Junction, CO
98 Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Indianapolis Carmel, IN
98 Michigan College of Beauty-Troy Troy, MI
98 Asian-American International Beauty College Westminster, CA
98 The Salon Professional Academy - North Little Rock Sherwood, AR
98 Aveda Institute Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
98 Empire Beauty School-Cheltenham Wyncote, PA
98 Empire Beauty School-Shamokin Dam Shamokin Dam, PA
98 The Salon Professional Academy - Appleton Appleton, WI
98 International Institute of Cosmetology Wethersfield, CT
98 Franklin Academy Cleveland, TN
98 Empire Beauty School-Dixie Louisville, KY
98 Turning Point Beauty College Casa Grande, AZ
98 Butte Academy of Beauty Culture Butte, MT
98 Empire Beauty School-West Palm West Palm Beach, FL
98 The Academy of Hair Design Six Hattiesburg, MS
98 Elite Cosmetology School PALM DESERT, CA
98 Blue Cliff Career College Mobile, AL
98 O’Briens Aveda Institute Williston, VT
98 The Salon Professional Academy - Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO
98 Diamonds Cosmetology College Sherman, TX
98 Enid Beauty College Enid, OK
98 Bucks County School of Beauty Culture Inc Feasterville, PA
98 Ricci’s Academy of Cosmetology Newtown, CT
98 Paul Mitchell the School Austin Austin, TX
98 Avalon School of Cosmetology - Mesa Mesa, AZ
98 Career Beauty College Lawrenceburg, TN
98 Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Cincinnati West Chester, OH
98 Award Beauty School Hagerstown, MD
98 American Beauty Academy Payson, UT
98 Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Sterling Sterling, IL
98 E Q School of Hair Design Council Bluffs, IA
98 Academy of Cosmetology Merritt Island, FL
98 Clarksburg Beauty Academy and School of Massage Therapy Clarksburg, WV
98 Pat Goins Benton Road Beauty School Shreveport, LA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Boise Boise, ID
98 School Removed
98 New York Institute of Beauty Islandia, NY
98 California Hair Design Academy La Mesa, CA
98 The Salon Professional Academy - Altoona Altoona, PA
98 Neecee’s Barber College Abilene, TX
98 Empire Beauty School-Nashville Brentwood, TN
98 Summit Salon Academy - Tacoma Tacoma, WA
98 House of Heavilin Beauty College-Academy of Beauty Professionals Green Bay, WI
98 Empire Beauty School-Michigan Grand Rapids, MI
98 Shear Excellence Hair Academy Tampa, FL
98 Faust Institute of Cosmetology-Spirit Lake Spirit Lake, IA
98 Paul Mitchell the School Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO
98 Coachella Valley Beauty College La Quinta, CA
98 Elevate Salon Institute - Durham Durham, NC
98 Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers-Casselberry Casselberry, FL
98 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin Elgin, IL
98 Pinnacle Institute of Cosmetology Mooresville, NC
98 Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills Vernon Hills, IL

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools award.

Rank College Location

Cosmetology by Region

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

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

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

Cosmetology Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist 50,210
Aesthetician/Esthetician & Skin Care Specialist 40,040
Nail Technician/Specialist & Manicurist 13,960
Barbering/Barber 9,893
Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist 2,907
Other Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts 2,184
Master Aesthetician/Esthetician 1,729
Hair Styling/Stylist & Hair Design 1,238
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, & Nail Instructor 1,230
Make-Up Artist/Specialist 440
Electrolysis/Electrology & Electrolysis Technician 354
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager 336
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup & Tattooing 90

Related Major Annual Graduates
Culinary Arts 22,075
Funeral & Mortuary Science 2,186
Casino Operations and Services 385
Other Personal & Culinary Services 95

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

  • 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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