Best colleges for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services in Georgia
Ranked by graduate earnings
Lanier Technical College, International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage Therapy and South Georgia Technical College are the top Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs in Georgia by graduate earnings. Lanier Technical College leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $22,686, College Scorecard. Elaine Sterling Institute, Central Georgia Technical College and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College award the most Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services degrees and certificates in Georgia: 412, 389 and 384 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 46 Georgia colleges offer Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services and award 5,752 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 10 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 | Lanier Technical College Gainesville Public · Certificate | $22,686 | 130 | 34% | — | — |
| 2 | International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage Therapy Sandy Springs Private for-profit · Certificate | $20,551 | 152 | 100% | $36,205 | $9,398 |
| 3 | South Georgia Technical College Americus Public · Certificate | $20,501 | 95 | 61% | — | — |
| 4 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta Public · Certificate | $19,659 | 384 | 50% | — | — |
| 5 | Keune Academy by 124 Lawrenceville Private for-profit · Certificate | $19,319 | 74 | 85% | $16,120 | $9,833 |
| 6 | Savannah Technical College Savannah Public · Certificate | $19,242 | 169 | 42% | — | $19,989 |
| 7 | Empire Beauty School - Kennesaw Kennesaw Private for-profit · Certificate | $18,639 | 53 | 75% | $17,916 | $13,849 |
| 8 | Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville Public · Certificate | $18,291 | 68 | 32% | — | $16,349 |
| 9 | Paul Mitchell the School - Esani Roswell Private for-profit · Certificate | $17,667 | 242 | 77% | $19,963 | $12,541 |
| 10 | Ogeechee Technical College Statesboro Public · Certificate | $17,660 | 94 | 43% | — | — |
Colleges awarding the most Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services degrees in Georgia
Top 10 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 | Elaine Sterling Institute Atlanta Private for-profit | 412 | $15,263 |
| 2 | Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins Public | 389 | Not reported |
| 3 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta Public | 384 | $19,659 |
| 4 | Georgia Career Institute Conyers Private for-profit | 366 | $17,041 |
| 5 | West Georgia Technical College Waco Public | 336 | $11,925 |
| 6 | Paul Mitchell the School - Esani Roswell Private for-profit | 242 | $17,667 |
| 7 | Coastal Pines Technical College Waycross Public | 230 | Not reported |
| 8 | Southern Regional Technical College Thomasville Public | 214 | $15,168 |
| 9 | Georgia Northwestern Technical College Rome Public | 210 | Not reported |
| 10 | Southern Crescent Technical College Griffin Public | 200 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 36 Georgia colleges offering Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (SOC 39-5012).
Top skills
What Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists earn in Georgia
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs in Georgia.
Which Georgia colleges award the most Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services degrees?+
Elaine Sterling Institute (412 graduates a year), Central Georgia Technical College (389 graduates a year) and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (384 graduates a year) award the most Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services degrees and certificates in Georgia, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 46 Georgia colleges offer Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.
What is the best college for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services in Georgia?+
By graduate earnings, Lanier Technical College leads among Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs in Georgia, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $22,686, College Scorecard. International School of Skin Nailcare & Massage Therapy and South Georgia Technical College follow. By degrees awarded, Elaine Sterling Institute is the largest, with 412 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program in Georgia has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Lanier Technical College tops the list at $22,686. 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 Georgia?+
The average annual wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Georgia is $42,830 (median $34,560), across about 7,910 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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