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Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region

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2023 Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region

221 Colleges
$17,041 Avg Salary
$8,995 Avg Student Debt

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 so many trade school programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent.

The Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 221 schools in the Southwest Region to see which undergraduate certificate programs were the most popular for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from the Cosmetology program at each school on the list.

The colleges and universities below are the most popular for cosmetology majors pursuing a undergraduate certificate.

Our 2023 rankings named Olympian Academy of Cosmetology the most popular school in the Southwest Region for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the town of Alamogordo, Olympian Academy of Cosmetology is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

Women make up 74% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

Cosmetology majors at Olympian Academy of Cosmetology take out an average of $10,860 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $52, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Stafford is a great place for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Ogle School is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Stafford.

Of the 173 students majoring in cosmetology at Ogle School, 1% are male and 99% are female.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Ogle School carry an average student debt load of $8,131. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $74.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Stafford

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend San Jacinto Community College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. Located in the suburb of Pasadena, San Jacinto College is a public school with a fairly large student population.

Of the 227 students majoring in cosmetology at San Jacinto College, 3% are male and 97% are female.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from San Jacinto College carry an average student debt load of $9,945.

Full Cosmetology at San Jacinto Community College Report

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Paul Mitchell the School Arlington. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. Located in the large city of Arlington, Paul Mitchell the School Arlington is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

Women make up 90% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Arlington take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $9,535. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $88.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Arlington

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Dallas. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. Ogle School is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of Dallas.

Women make up 98% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Ogle School accumulate an average of around $8,145 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $81.

Full Cosmetology at Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Dallas Report

With a ranking of #6, Paul Mitchell the School Houston did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the city of Houston, Paul Mitchell the School Houston is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

About 95% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 5% are male.

Cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Houston take out an average of $12,715 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $109.

Full Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Houston Report

Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Ft Worth came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Ogle School is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of Fort Worth.

About 98% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 2% are male.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Ogle School accumulate an average of around $8,145 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $81.

Full Cosmetology at Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Ft Worth Report

With a ranking of #8, Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-San Antonio did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Ogle School is a small private for-profit school located in the large city of San Antonio.

Of the 124 students majoring in cosmetology at Ogle School, 6% are male and 94% are female.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Ogle School accumulate an average of around $8,051 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $86.

Read More…

#9

Studio Academy of Beauty

Chandler, AZ

Studio Academy of Beauty came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Studio Academy of Beauty is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Chandler.

About 93% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 7% are male.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Studio Academy of Beauty carry an average student debt load of $6,529. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $47.

Read More…

Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Arlington did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in the suburb of Arlington, Ogle School is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

About 98% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 2% are male.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Ogle School accumulate an average of around $8,051 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $86.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Arlington

Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Hurst landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Ogle School is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Hurst.

Women make up 99% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Ogle School carry an average student debt load of $8,131. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $74.

Full Cosmetology at Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Hurst Report

Paul Mitchell the School Webster ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. Located in the suburb of Webster, Paul Mitchell the School Webster is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

About 95% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 5% are male.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School Webster take out $12,715 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $109.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Webster

Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-North Dallas did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #13 on the list. Ogle School is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of Dallas.

Of the 93 students majoring in cosmetology at Ogle School, 2% are male and 98% are female.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Ogle School accumulate an average of around $8,145 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $81.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-North Dallas

With a ranking of #14, Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Plano did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the large city of Plano, Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Plano is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

Of the 130 students majoring in cosmetology at Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Plano, 4% are male and 96% are female.

Cosmetology majors at Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy-Plano take out an average of $12,360 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 $126.

Read More…

#14

Houston Barber School

Houston, TX

With a ranking of #14, Houston Barber School did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Houston Barber School is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Houston.

About 24% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 76% are male.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Houston Barber School carry an average student debt load of $8,096.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Houston Barber School

Avalon School of Cosmetology - Phoenix ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. Avalon School of Cosmetology - Phoenix is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix.

About 96% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 4% are male.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Avalon School of Cosmetology - Phoenix take out $7,921 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $80.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Avalon School of Cosmetology - Phoenix

#17

Aveda Institute - San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

Aveda Institute - San Antonio landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Aveda Institute - San Antonio is a small private for-profit school located in the large city of San Antonio.

About 95% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 5% are male.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Aveda Institute - San Antonio accumulate an average of around $8,667 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $93.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Aveda Institute - San Antonio

#18

Texas Barber College

Houston, TX

Texas Barber College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Texas Barber College is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Houston.

About 24% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 76% are male.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Texas Barber College take out $13,967 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Texas Barber College

#19

Clary Sage College

Tulsa, OK

Clary Sage College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Clary Sage College is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Tulsa.

Of the 108 students majoring in cosmetology at Clary Sage College, 12% are male and 88% are female.

Cosmetology majors at Clary Sage College take out an average of $9,096 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $81.

Read More…

#20

Cosmetology Career Center LLC

Carrollton, TX

Cosmetology Career Center LLC did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in the large suburb of Carrollton, Paul Mitchell the School Dallas is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

Women make up 95% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School Dallas take out $9,535 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $88.

Full Cosmetology at Cosmetology Career Center LLC Report

#21

Penrose Academy

Scottsdale, AZ

With a ranking of #21, Penrose Academy did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Penrose Academy is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of Scottsdale.

Women make up 98% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Penrose Academy take out $7,182 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $120.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Penrose Academy

Paul Mitchell the School San Antonio landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Paul Mitchell the School San Antonio is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of San Antonio.

About 79% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 21% are male.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School San Antonio take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $9,535. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $88.

Full Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School San Antonio Report

#23

ABC Beauty Academy

Richardson, TX

ABC Beauty Academy landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Located in the city of Richardson, ABC Beauty Academy is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

About 94% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 6% are male.

Read More…

Paul Mitchell the School Tulsa did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in the city of Tulsa, Paul Mitchell the School Tulsa is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

About 94% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 6% are male.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School Tulsa take out $10,628 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Full Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Tulsa Report

With a ranking of #24, Trinity Valley Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the distant town of Athens, TVCC is a public school with a moderately-sized student population.

Women make up 96% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Trinity Valley Community College

#29

South Plains College

Levelland, TX
#33

Alamo City Barber College

San Antonio, TX

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also popular but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Trade Schools in the Southwest Region award.

Rank College Location
34 Glitz School of Cosmetology Las Cruces, NM
34 Aveda Institute - Tucson Tucson, AZ
36 Odessa College Odessa, TX
36 Clarendon College Clarendon, TX
38 Southern Careers Institute - Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, TX
38 Vogue College of Cosmetology-McAllen McAllen, TX
40 Avalon School of Cosmetology - Mesa Mesa, AZ
40 Avenue Five Institute Austin, TX
42 Advanced Barber College and Hair Design Weslaco, TX
42 UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences-Harlingen Harlingen, TX
42 Ranger College Ranger, TX

Best Cosmetology Colleges by State

Explore the best cosmetology schools for a specific state in the Southwest region.

State Degrees Awarded
Arizona 2,673
Texas 10,777
Oklahoma 1,553
New Mexico 956

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

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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