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Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania

2023 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

42 Colleges
$12,975 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,041 Avg Salary

Finding the Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate School for You

Out of the majors we analyze each year, cosmetology was the most popular one in Pennsylvania. In total, 3,378 people earned a degree or certificate in the field from a school in Pennsylvania.

It's not easy to decide which trade school program to enroll in when you have so many options available. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Trade College Search has created its Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Our analysis looked at 42 schools in Pennsylvania 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.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

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

#1

Laurel Business Institute

Uniontown, PA

Our analysis found Laurel Business Institute to be the best value school for cosmetology students who want to pursue a undergraduate certificate in Pennsylvania. Located in the suburb of Uniontown, LBI is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

The average tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate at LBI are $11,470 a year. On average, cosmetology graduates from LBI take out $10,973 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

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You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Penn Commercial Business/Technical School. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in the suburb of Washington, Penn Commercial is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

The average tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate at Penn Commercial are $12,116 a year. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $129.

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#3

Laurel Technical Institute

MEADVILLE, PA

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Laurel Technical Institute. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania list. LTI - Meadville is a small private for-profit school located in the rural area of MEADVILLE.

In-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at LTI - Meadville are $11,470 per year. The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at LTI - Meadville take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $9,320.

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#4

Laurel Technical Institute

Hermitage, PA

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Laurel Technical Institute helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best value cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania. LTI Sharon is a small private for-profit school located in the rural area of Hermitage.

The average tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate at LTI Sharon are $11,470 a year. After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from LTI Sharon carry an average student debtload of $9,320.

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#5

Douglas Education Center

Monessen, PA

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Douglas Education Center helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best value cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania. Douglas Education Center is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Monessen.

The average tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate at Douglas Education Center are $18,350 a year. On average, cosmetology graduates from Douglas Education Center take out $10,117 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

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Empire Beauty School-West Mifflin landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Empire Beauty School-West Mifflin is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of West Mifflin.

Cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-West Mifflin take out an average of $11,904 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $80, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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With a ranking of #6, Empire Beauty School-NE Philadelphia did quite well on this year’s best value schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Empire Beauty School-NE Philadelphia is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

Cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-NE Philadelphia take out an average of $12,906 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $81, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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The Salon Professional Academy - Altoona ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania list. TSPA - Altoona is a small private for-profit school located in the small suburb of Altoona.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at TSPA - Altoona accumulate an average of around $8,532 in student debt.

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With a ranking of #6, Great Lakes Institute of Technology did quite well on this year’s best value schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the medium-sized suburb of Erie, Great Lakes Institute of Technology is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Great Lakes Institute of Technology carry an average student debtload of $10,492. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $105.

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#6

The Beauty School

Stroudsburg, PA

With a ranking of #6, The Beauty School did quite well on this year’s best value schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the suburb of Stroudsburg, The Beauty School is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $55, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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With a ranking of #6, Empire Beauty School-Springfield did quite well on this year’s best value schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Empire Beauty School-Springfield is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Springfield.

Cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-Springfield take out an average of $11,904 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $80, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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#6

The Beauty Institute

Whitehall, PA

The Beauty Institute landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. The Beauty Institute is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Whitehall.

For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $45.

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Empire Beauty School-Reading landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Located in the large suburb of Reading, Empire Beauty School-Reading is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-Reading take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $11,517. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $80, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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Divine Crown Barber & Beauty Academy came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Divine Crown Barber & Beauty Academy is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Harrisburg.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Divine Crown Barber & Beauty Academy carry an average student debtload of $6,194.

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#6

Metro Beauty Academy

Allentown, PA

Metro Beauty Academy landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Metro Beauty Academy is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Allentown.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Metro Beauty Academy carry an average student debtload of $10,408. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $78, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

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Butler Beauty Academy - New Castle Beauty Academy came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Located in the town of New Castle, Butler Beauty Academy - New Castle Beauty Academy is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

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Empire Beauty School-Hanover did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #6 on the list. Located in the small city of Hanover, Empire Beauty School-Hanover is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-Hanover take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $12,906. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $81, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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#6

Venus Beauty Academy

Sharon Hill, PA

Venus Beauty Academy landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Located in the large suburb of Sharon Hill, Venus Beauty Academy is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Venus Beauty Academy carry an average student debtload of $7,975.

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Fountain of Youth Academy of Cosmetology ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in the large suburb of Bellevue, Fountain of Youth Academy of Cosmetology is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

Cosmetology majors at Fountain of Youth Academy of Cosmetology take out an average of $7,620 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

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Empire Beauty School-Lebanon came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania ranking. Empire Beauty School-Lebanon is a small private for-profit school located in the small suburb of Lebanon.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Empire Beauty School-Lebanon take out $11,307 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $77.

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The Beauty Institute-Ambler ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in Pennsylvania list. Located in the suburb of Ambler, The Beauty Institute is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from The Beauty Institute carry an average student debtload of $9,868. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $84, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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Bucks County School of Beauty Culture Inc did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #6 on the list. Located in the suburb of Feasterville, Bucks County School of Beauty Culture Inc is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Bucks County School of Beauty Culture Inc carry an average student debtload of $9,773.

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Empire Beauty School-Cheltenham did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #6 on the list. Empire Beauty School-Cheltenham is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Wyncote.

Cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-Cheltenham take out an average of $11,517 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $80, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #6 on the list. Located in the suburb of Harrisburg, Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

Cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg take out an average of $11,307 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $77.

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Empire Beauty School-Lehigh Valley landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Located in the suburb of Whitehall, Empire Beauty School-Lehigh Valley is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-Lehigh Valley accumulate an average of around $11,904 in student debt. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $80, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

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Honorable Mentions

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 in Pennsylvania award.

Rank College Location

Best Value Cosmetology Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region

Explore all the Best Value Cosmetology Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Area or other specific states within that region.

State Degrees Awarded
New York 5,055
New Jersey 2,419
Maryland 1,103
Delaware 343
District of Columbia 160

One of 4 majors within the trade school area of study, cosmetology has other similar majors worth exploring.

Cosmetology Focus Areas

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

Majors Similar to Cosmetology

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 42 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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