Best institutions to study Barbering/Barber
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 licensure as professional barbers at various levels.
503 U.S. institutions graduated 12,249 Barbering/Barber students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 12.0402, a specialization of Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (CIP 12.04), and leads most directly to the Barbers occupation (BLS SOC 39-5011).
About Barbering/Barber programs
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 licensure as professional barbers at various levels. Includes instruction in facial shaving; beard and mustache shaping and trimming; shampooing; hair cutting; hair styles and styling art; facial treatments and massage; chemical applications; hair and scalp anatomy and physiology; hairpiece and toupee fitting; equipment operation; health and safety; customer service; and shop business practices.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Barbering/Barber program prepares individuals for a rewarding career in the personal grooming services industry. This program is designed for those who wish to become professional barbers, focusing on essential skills such as hair cutting, shaving, and customer service. Students will learn to meet diverse client needs while adhering to industry standards and safety practices.
Core coursework includes instruction in hair cutting and styling, facial shaving, beard trimming, and scalp massages. Students will also gain knowledge in health and safety protocols, customer service, and shop business practices, equipping them with the skills necessary for a successful career in barbering.
Credentials awarded
What Barbering/Barber graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years10,376 graduates / yr · 462 institutions85%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year1,303 graduates / yr · 69 institutions11%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years421 graduates / yr · 15 institutions3.4%
- Award of less than 12 weeks128 graduates / yr · 23 institutions1.0%
- Associate's degree21 graduates / yr · 6 institutions0.2%
Graduates over time
Barbering/Barber completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 7,666 |
| 2013 | 7,793 |
| 2014 | 7,613 |
| 2015 | 8,073 |
| 2016 | 7,506 |
| 2017 | 8,057 |
| 2018 | 8,683 |
| 2019 | 8,937 |
| 2020 | 8,175 |
| 2021 | 8,381 |
| 2022 | 9,883 |
| 2023 | 10,975 |
| 2024 | 12,398 |
| 2025 | 12,249 |
Top 50 institutions for Barbering/Barber, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NUC University Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 491 | 54% | $9,377 | $10,216 |
| 2 | Career Schools of Texas Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 191 | 26% | $16,605 | $12,759 |
| 3 | Urban Barber College Concord, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of less than 12 weeks | 182 | 78% | $25,510 | $11,292 |
| 4 | Houston Barber School Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 182 | 93% | $14,760 | — |
| 5 | Miami Barber Institute Miami, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 176 | 34% | — | — |
| 6 | J F Ingram State Technical College Deatsville, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 167 | 21% | — | — |
| 7 | D'Mart Institute Barranquitas, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of less than 12 weeks | 146 | 70% | $7,248 | $7,908 |
| 8 | Moler Barber College Oakland, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 143 | 23% | $22,135 | $18,947 |
| 9 | Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 141 | 47% | — | — |
| 10 | Instituto Educativo Premier Ponce, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 124 | 78% | $12,011 | $10,432 |
| 11 | Central Valley Barber College Riverbank, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 105 | 98% | $13,926 | — |
| 12 | Modern Hairstyling Institute - Carolina Carolina, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 101 | 79% | $6,419 | $6,454 |
| 13 | Florida Barber Academy Plantation, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 93 | 80% | $27,315 | $13,332 |
| 14 | ZMS The Academy Los Angeles, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 91 | 40% | $6,854 | $12,288 |
| 15 | Academy of Hair Design - Springfield Springfield, MOPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 90 | 64% | $17,700 | $21,574 |
| 16 | Alamo City Barber College San Antonio, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 85 | 57% | $14,511 | $13,291 |
| 17 | CRU Institute of Cosmetology and Barbering Garden Grove, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of less than 12 weeks | 84 | 68% | $19,008 | $8,677 |
| 18 | Mei Barber School Brownsville, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 82 | 76% | $6,713 | — |
| 19 | American Beauty College West Covina, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 80 | 69% | $25,703 | $18,085 |
| 20 | Emily Griffith Technical College Denver, COPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 78 | 97% | — | $20,014 |
| 21 | Sharp Edgez Barber Institute Rochester, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 78 | 97% | $13,205 | $11,084 |
| 22 | Advantage Technical College San Juan, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 77 | 59% | $3,345 | — |
| 23 | Ohio State College of Barber Styling Columbus, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 74 | 68% | $14,607 | — |
| 24 | Modern Hairstyling Institute - Bayamon Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 74 | 80% | $6,575 | $6,764 |
| 25 | LaBarberia Institute of Hair Mayfield Hts, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 72 | 63% | $11,615 | $11,561 |
| 26 | Deluxe Barber College San Antonio, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 71 | 63% | $19,529 | — |
| 27 | Winston Salem Barber School Winston-Salem, NCPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 70 | 63% | $10,947 | $9,785 |
| 28 | Advanced Barber College and Hair Design Weslaco, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 68 | 60% | $20,784 | $9,932 |
| 29 | The Barber School Midvale, UTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 66 | 59% | $22,128 | $16,343 |
| 30 | Cosmetology & Spa Academy Crystal Lake, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 61 | 70% | $16,160 | $22,096 |
| 31 | Associated Barber College of San Diego San Diego, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 61 | 81% | $20,683 | $12,147 |
| 32 | Paul Mitchell the School - Sacramento Sacramento, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 60 | 79% | $20,104 | $15,322 |
| 33 | Hawaii Institute of Hair Design Honolulu, HIPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 58 | 82% | $14,518 | $16,699 |
| 34 | Atlanta Technical College Atlanta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 57 | 49% | — | $17,157 |
| 35 | Emma's Beauty Academy - Juana Diaz Juana Diaz, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 57 | 64% | $3,686 | $8,607 |
| 36 | Paul Mitchell the School - Wichita Wichita, KSPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 57 | 76% | $20,343 | $17,049 |
| 37 | Milan Institute - Clovis Clovis, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 57 | 63% | $22,885 | $13,386 |
| 38 | MIXED Institute of Cosmetology & Barber Sacramento, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 57 | 73% | $21,829 | — |
| 39 | New England Hair Academy Malden, MAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 56 | 67% | $19,653 | $17,390 |
| 40 | Top of the Line Barber School San Antonio, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 55 | 0% | $24,331 | — |
| 41 | Old Town Barber College Wichita, KSPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 54 | 46% | $15,562 | $10,703 |
| 42 | Denmark College Merrillville, INPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 54 | 75% | $16,757 | $18,762 |
| 43 | Shear Excellence Hair Academy Tampa, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 54 | 50% | $42,367 | $15,287 |
| 44 | Barber School of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 53 | 65% | $21,614 | $17,890 |
| 45 | Sierra College of Beauty Merced, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 52 | 84% | $11,825 | $12,331 |
| 46 | South Georgia Technical College Americus, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 52 | 61% | — | $20,501 |
| 47 | Celebrity School of Beauty Miami, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 51 | 71% | $6,774 | $13,305 |
| 48 | Bene's Career Academy New Port Richey, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 50 | 63% | $23,002 | $15,325 |
| 49 | Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 50 | 50% | — | $19,659 |
| 50 | Epic Barber College Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 50 | 13% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services field (CIP 12.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 47 states & territories
Where Barbering/Barber graduates come from. Each state links to all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 39-5011, Barbers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Barbering/Barber program can pursue careers as barbers, with a projected job growth rate of 4.1% and approximately 8,400 annual openings. The median wage for barbers is $38,960, and the typical education required is a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 12.0402
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Barbersprimary SOC 39-5011 | $38,210 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~8,400 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Barbering/Barber programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
- Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
- Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
- Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
- Clean work stations and sweep floors.
- Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
Tools and technology used
Other Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services specializations
The 12 other 6-digit CIP codes under Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (CIP 12.04).
- Cosmetology/CIP 12.0401
Cosmetologist 56,828 graduates / yr1,353 institutions - Aesthetician/CIP 12.0409
Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist 38,219 graduates / yr741 institutions - Nail Technician/CIP 12.0410
Specialist and Manicurist 14,526 graduates / yr513 institutions - Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming ArtsCIP 12.04992,592 graduates / yr99 institutions
- Facial Treatment Specialist/CIP 12.0408
Facialist 2,499 graduates / yr75 institutions - Master Aesthetician/CIP 12.0414
Esthetician 2,242 graduates / yr53 institutions - Hair Styling/CIP 12.0407
Stylist and Hair Design 1,479 graduates / yr88 institutions - Cosmetology, Barber/CIP 12.0413
Styling, and Nail Instructor 1,259 graduates / yr319 institutions - Salon/CIP 12.0412
Beauty Salon Management/ Manager 546 graduates / yr17 institutions - Make-Up Artist/CIP 12.0406
Specialist 374 graduates / yr20 institutions - Electrolysis/CIP 12.0404
Electrology and Electrolysis Technician 314 graduates / yr13 institutions - Permanent Cosmetics/CIP 12.0411
Makeup and Tattooing limited data91 graduates / yr2 institutions
See all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs →
Common questions
What does the Barbering/Barber program cover?+
The program covers hair cutting, shaving, beard trimming, and customer service, among other skills.
How long does it take to complete the program?+
The program typically awards certificates ranging from less than 12 weeks to 2 years.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
Graduates can work as barbers, with a strong job outlook and competitive wages.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
Students will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and customer service.
What is the CIP code for Barbering/Barber?+
Barbering/Barber is CIP 12.0402 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (CIP 12.04). NCES defines it as: 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 licensure as professional barbers at various levels. Includes instruction in facial shaving; beard and mustache shaping and trimming; shampooing; hair cutting; hair styles and styling art; facial treatments and massage; chemical applications; hair and scalp anatomy and physiology; hairpiece and toupee fitting; equipment operation; health and safety; customer service; and shop business practices.
How many institutions offer Barbering/Barber programs?+
503 U.S. institutions reported Barbering/Barber graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 47 states & territories, awarding 12,249 credentials in the year. That is 9.2% of all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
How much do Barbering/Barber graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Barbers occupation, which Barbering/Barber most directly leads to, pays a median of $38,210 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services field report median earnings of $16,464 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
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.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card