Best colleges for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services in District of Columbia
Ranked by graduate earnings
The Salon Professional Academy - Washington DC and Bennett Career Institute award the most Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services degrees and certificates in District of Columbia: 114 and 62 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 2 District of Columbia colleges offer Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services and award 176 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program prepares students for a diverse career in the beauty and personal care industry. This program is ideal for individuals interested in hair, skin, and nail care, offering various…
Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bennett Career Institute Washington Private for-profit · Certificate | $20,316 | 62 | 51% | $11,110 | $9,833 |
| 2 | The Salon Professional Academy - Washington DC Washington Private for-profit · Certificate | $19,048 | 114 | 51% | $23,038 | $9,936 |
Colleges awarding the most Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services degrees in District of Columbia
Top 2 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Salon Professional Academy - Washington DC Washington Private for-profit | 114 | $19,048 |
| 2 | Bennett Career Institute Washington Private for-profit | 62 | $20,316 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (SOC 39-5012).
Top skills
What Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists earn in District of Columbia
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs in District of Columbia.
Which District of Columbia colleges award the most Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services degrees?+
The Salon Professional Academy - Washington DC (114 graduates a year) and Bennett Career Institute (62 graduates a year) award the most Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services degrees and certificates in District of Columbia, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 2 District of Columbia colleges offer Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.
Which Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program in District of Columbia has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Bennett Career Institute tops the list at $20,316. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists earn in District of Columbia?+
The average annual wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in District of Columbia is $70,320 (median $54,570), across about 870 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program?+
The Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program prepares students for a diverse career in the beauty and personal care industry. This program is ideal for individuals interested in hair, skin, and nail care, offering various…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop active listening, speaking, critical thinking, active learning, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists?+
The national job outlook is about +5.6% growth with around 75,800 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Postsecondary nondegree award is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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