Best institutions to study Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
Compare 1,568 U.S. colleges offering Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 51 states.
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs report a median of $17,193 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 12.04 and the Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists occupation (BLS SOC).
About Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs
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 specializations such as cosmetology, barbering, and makeup artistry. Students will gain hands-on experience and knowledge to excel in this dynamic field.
Learn more about Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services →
Core coursework includes essential skills in customer service, sales, and marketing, alongside practical training in hair cutting, coloring, and styling techniques. Students will also learn about sanitation practices, skin care, and nail technology, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of personal grooming services.
Top 50 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint Paul College Saint Paul, MN Public · Certificate degree | $32,987 | 187 | 40% | — | $14,250 |
| 2 | Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL Public · Certificate degree | $29,668 | 234 | 37% | — | $13,577 |
| 3 | The Salon Professional Academy - Fargo Fargo, ND Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $29,330 | 110 | 60% | $14,714 | $12,000 |
| 4 | The Hair Academy Bismarck, ND Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $29,327 | 34 | 95% | $16,814 | $11,809 |
| 5 | The Esthetic Institute Vienna, VA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $29,301 | 119 | 88% | $21,591 | $11,208 |
| 6 | Josef's School of Hair, Skin & Body - Grand Forks Grand Forks, ND Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $28,331 | 31 | 83% | $14,794 | $12,000 |
| 7 | Josef's School of Hair, Skin & Body - Fargo Fargo, ND Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $28,331 | 60 | 73% | $14,869 | $12,000 |
| 8 | Summit Salon Academy Kansas City Independence, MO Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $27,878 | 81 | 61% | $19,431 | $11,981 |
| 9 | Top Nails & Hair Beauty School Taylorsville, UT Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $27,296 | 169 | 92% | — | — |
| 10 | Summit Salon Academy - Portland Tigard, OR Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $27,110 | 44 | 72% | $12,163 | $16,500 |
| 11 | Aveda Institute - Des Moines West Des Moines, IA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $27,081 | 186 | 88% | $15,384 | $12,000 |
| 12 | Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI Public · Certificate degree | $27,049 | 72 | 44% | — | $9,750 |
| 13 | Gaston College Dallas, NC Public · Certificate degree | $27,008 | 61 | 63% | — | — |
| 14 | Paul Mitchell the School - Austin Austin, TX Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $26,824 | 112 | 71% | $21,037 | $10,414 |
| 15 | Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Tempe, AZ Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $26,795 | 149 | 67% | $58,427 | $9,500 |
| 16 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OK Public · Certificate degree | $26,713 | 114 | 81% | — | — |
| 17 | Aveda Institute - Denver Denver, CO Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $26,636 | 253 | 84% | $22,228 | $12,000 |
| 18 | DuVall's School of Cosmetology Bedford, TX Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $26,435 | 69 | 57% | $18,190 | $7,917 |
| 19 | International Academy of Style Reno, NV Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $26,349 | 69 | 93% | $21,427 | $9,391 |
| 20 | Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics Woburn, MA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $26,234 | 226 | 96% | $20,490 | $7,667 |
| 21 | Capitol Beauty School Omaha, NE Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,942 | 164 | 87% | $13,410 | $9,166 |
| 22 | The Salon Professional Academy - Nashville Nashville, TN Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,878 | 29 | 97% | $13,347 | $9,833 |
| 23 | Model College of Hair Design Saint Cloud, MN Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,814 | 104 | 61% | $17,740 | $8,778 |
| 24 | Nova Academy of Cosmetology Rochester, MN Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,754 | 272 | 77% | $29,947 | $9,999 |
| 25 | Medspa Academies South Jordan, UT Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,502 | 215 | 92% | $17,302 | $12,394 |
| 26 | Medspa Academies - National Institute of Modern Aesthetics Las Vegas, NV Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,502 | 230 | 93% | $23,523 | — |
| 27 | Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy - Shoreline Shoreline, WA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,497 | 99 | 74% | $18,668 | $12,344 |
| 28 | Acaydia School of Aesthetics Provo, UT Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,253 | 235 | 68% | $19,926 | $7,668 |
| 29 | Hair Academy School of Barbering & Beauty Newark, DE Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,168 | 6 | 50% | $16,660 | $9,666 |
| 30 | The Institute of Beauty and Wellness Milwaukee, WI Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,029 | 161 | 90% | $15,441 | $10,555 |
| 31 | The Institute of Beauty and Wellness Madison Madison, WI Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,029 | 95 | 97% | $11,939 | $10,555 |
| 32 | The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska Onalaska, WI Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $25,017 | 42 | 93% | $16,876 | $12,000 |
| 33 | Eastern Wyoming College Torrington, WY Public · Associate degree | $24,995 | 22 | 52% | — | — |
| 34 | Paul Mitchell the School - Denver Lakewood, CO Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,952 | 127 | 78% | $12,770 | $11,833 |
| 35 | The Salon Professional Academy - San Jose San Jose, CA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,660 | 164 | 95% | $19,590 | $10,376 |
| 36 | Paul Mitchell the School - Spokane Spokane Valley, WA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,554 | 138 | 54% | $21,992 | $10,556 |
| 37 | University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology Chicago, IL Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,468 | 47 | 100% | $17,847 | $11,667 |
| 38 | Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare Salt Lake City, UT Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,463 | 120 | 73% | $27,500 | $7,667 |
| 39 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MN Public · Certificate degree | $24,367 | 56 | 47% | — | $10,169 |
| 40 | Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FL Public · Certificate degree | $24,361 | 244 | 41% | — | $9,500 |
| 41 | Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis Minneapolis, MN Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,230 | 349 | 68% | $20,394 | $9,941 |
| 42 | PCI Academy - Ames Ames, IA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,178 | 127 | 77% | $18,518 | $10,570 |
| 43 | PCI Academy - Plymouth Plymouth, MN Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,178 | 133 | 72% | $16,251 | $10,570 |
| 44 | PCI Academy - Iowa City Iowa City, IA Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,178 | 80 | 71% | $18,336 | $10,570 |
| 45 | Aveda Fredric's Institute - Indianapolis Carmel, IN Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,147 | 172 | 88% | $22,089 | $9,833 |
| 46 | Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney, IL Public · Certificate degree | $24,120 | 16 | 63% | — | — |
| 47 | Central Carolina Community College Sanford, NC Public · Certificate degree | $24,101 | 100 | 43% | — | $12,167 |
| 48 | Entourage Institute of Beauty and Esthetics Lincoln, NE Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,101 | 86 | 60% | $16,906 | $15,137 |
| 49 | Empire Beauty School - Laconia Laconia, NH Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,089 | 48 | 64% | $10,057 | $9,833 |
| 50 | Empire Beauty School - Hooksett Hooksett, NH Private for-profit · Certificate degree | $24,089 | 235 | 83% | $11,906 | $9,833 |
Offered across 51 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 39-5012, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as cosmetologists, barbers, or nail technicians, among other roles. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 5.6% and approximately 75,800 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $35,250, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 12.04.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 12.04 (Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services) maps to 8 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other |
| 39-1022 | First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers |
| 39-5011 | Barbers |
| 39-5012 | Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistsprimary |
| 39-5091 | Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance |
| 39-5092 | Manicurists and Pedicurists |
| 39-5093 | Shampooers |
| 39-5094 | Skincare Specialists |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
- Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
- Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
- Schedule client appointments.
- Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
- Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
Concentrations within Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, GeneralCIP 12.0401
A program that generally prepares individuals to cut, trim, and style scalp, facial, and body hair; apply cosmetic preparations; perform manicures and pedicures; massage the head and extremities; and
- Barbering/BarberCIP 12.0402
A program that prepares individuals to shave and trim facial/neck hair and beards, cut and dress hair, fit hairpieces, give facial and scalp massages, apply cosmetic treatments, and to prepare for lic
- Electrolysis/Electrology and Electrolysis TechnicianCIP 12.0404
A program that prepares individuals to permanently remove hair from the human scalp, face, and body using specialized charged solid needle probes, and to function as licensed electrologists and electr
- Make-Up Artist/SpecialistCIP 12.0406
A program that prepares individuals to professionally apply cosmetic makeup preparations and perform complete and specialized appearance makeovers including hairdressing, wig work, masking, temporary
- Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair DesignCIP 12.0407
A program that prepares individuals to shampoo, cut, style, set, and dress the scalp hair of women and/or men, braid hair, apply hair cosmetics and wigs, and prepare for licensure as professional cosm
- Facial Treatment Specialist/FacialistCIP 12.0408
A program that prepares individuals to massage and treat the face, neck, and scalp with chemical and cosmetic preparations, and to function as licensed facial specialists in specialized and full servi
- Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care SpecialistCIP 12.0409
A program that prepares individuals to cleanse, depilate, massage, and beautify the human body and to function as licensed estheticians and skin care specialists
- Nail Technician/Specialist and ManicuristCIP 12.0410
A program that prepares individuals to shape fingernails and toenails, remove unwanted skin and blemishes, apply polish and cosmetics to nails, and function as licensed manicurists or nail technicians
- Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and TattooingCIP 12.0411
A program that prepares individuals to prepare and apply permanent markings, color, and cosmetic products to the face and body for aesthetic or clinical purposes; to remove unwanted markings; and to f
- Salon/Beauty Salon Management/ManagerCIP 12.0412
A program that prepares cosmetologists, hairstylists, and other personal grooming specialists to manage beauty parlors, shops, and full-service or specialized salons and to prepare for licensure as pr
- Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail InstructorCIP 12.0413
A program that prepares cosmetologists, barbers, stylists, nail technicians, and other grooming specialists to teach their specializations in licensed and accredited schools of cosmetology and barberi
- Master Aesthetician/EstheticianCIP 12.0414
A program that prepares individuals to massage and treat the face, neck, and body with advanced chemical and cosmetic preparations and esthetic medical treatments, and to function as licensed master o
Common questions
What are the specializations available in this program?+
Specializations include Cosmetology, Barbering, Electrolysis, Make-Up Artistry, Hair Styling, Facial Treatment, Aesthetics, and Nail Technology.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
Students will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, customer service, and various practical techniques related to personal grooming.
What is the typical education requirement for careers in this field?+
Most careers in cosmetology require a postsecondary nondegree award.
What is the job outlook for cosmetology professionals?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 5.6% and around 75,800 annual job openings.
How much do Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates earn?+
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates report median earnings of $17,193 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists occupation pays about $43,960 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services?+
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services maps to CIP 12.04 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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