Best institutions to study Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor
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 barbering, and to prepare for licensure as instructors.
319 U.S. institutions graduated 1,259 Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 12.0413, 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 Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor programs
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 barbering, and to prepare for licensure as instructors. Includes instruction in cosmetology arts and sciences teaching principles; student learning styles; professional curricula development; instructional planning; instructional methods and aids; student counseling and career assistance; test development; and classroom/clinic management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Cosmetology program, officially titled Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor, is designed for individuals looking to pursue a career in the beauty and personal grooming industry. This program prepares students to become skilled professionals in various specialties, including cosmetology, barbering, and nail technology, and equips them to teach these skills in licensed schools.
Learn more about Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor →
Students in the Cosmetology program will develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework covers a range of topics, including customer service, instructional planning, and classroom management, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for both practical and teaching roles in the industry.
Credentials awarded
What Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year840 graduates / yr · 236 institutions67%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years303 graduates / yr · 87 institutions24%
- Award of less than 12 weeks78 graduates / yr · 6 institutions6.2%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years34 graduates / yr · 2 institutions2.7%
- Associate's degree4 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.3%
Graduates over time
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2,636 |
| 2013 | 2,160 |
| 2014 | 2,128 |
| 2015 | 2,035 |
| 2016 | 1,730 |
| 2017 | 1,745 |
| 2018 | 1,623 |
| 2019 | 1,886 |
| 2020 | 1,274 |
| 2021 | 1,331 |
| 2022 | 1,230 |
| 2023 | 1,244 |
| 2024 | 1,436 |
| 2025 | 1,259 |
Top 50 institutions for Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor, 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 | Evergreen Beauty and Barber College - Everett Everett, WAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 53 | 83% | $18,663 | $23,420 |
| 2 | Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WIPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 52 | 51% | — | — |
| 3 | Hacienda La Puente Adult Education La Puente, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 38 | 77% | — | $9,467 |
| 4 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Aguadilla Aguadilla, PRPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 34 | 43% | $8,433 | — |
| 5 | Networks Barber College Calumet City, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 25 | 73% | $17,524 | $12,028 |
| 6 | Beaver Beauty Academy Decatur, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 21 | 54% | $11,027 | — |
| 7 | Paul Mitchell the School - Missouri Columbia Columbia, MOPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 69% | $17,586 | $22,267 |
| 8 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Guayama Guayama, PRPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 20 | 44% | $10,026 | — |
| 9 | Aveda Institute - Des Moines West Des Moines, IAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 20 | 88% | $15,384 | $27,081 |
| 10 | University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology El Dorado, ARPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 50% | $13,515 | $11,050 |
| 11 | Nova Academy of Cosmetology Rochester, MNPrivate for-profitAward of less than 12 weeks | 16 | 77% | $29,947 | $25,754 |
| 12 | Hilltop Beauty School Daly City, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 73% | — | $15,698 |
| 13 | Fred W Eberle Technical Center Buckhannon, WVPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 14 | 98% | — | — |
| 14 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - San German San German, PRPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | 43% | $10,477 | — |
| 15 | Asian - American International Beauty College Westminster, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 90% | — | $9,647 |
| 16 | D'Mart Institute Barranquitas, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 70% | $7,248 | $7,908 |
| 17 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Bayamon Bayamon, PRPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 12 | 35% | $10,334 | — |
| 18 | Parisian Beauty School Hackensack, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 88% | $22,332 | $15,517 |
| 19 | L'esprit Academy Canton, MIPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 88% | $28,222 | $16,706 |
| 20 | Empire Beauty School - Springfield Springfield, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 63% | $19,065 | $16,429 |
| 21 | Avalon Institute - Mesa Mesa, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 84% | $17,293 | $21,496 |
| 22 | Georgia Career Institute Conyers, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 69% | $16,052 | $17,041 |
| 23 | Tricoci University of Beauty Culture - Bridgeview Bridgeview, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 67% | $19,003 | $17,943 |
| 24 | Metro Beauty Academy Allentown, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 96% | $20,001 | $21,226 |
| 25 | Avalon Institute - Layton Layton, UTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 86% | $20,531 | $21,496 |
| 26 | Career Academy of Hair Design Springdale, ARPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 73% | $14,881 | $16,574 |
| 27 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro Murfreesboro, TNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 76% | — | $22,176 |
| 28 | Empire Beauty School - Center City Philadelphia Philadelphia, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 36% | $19,549 | $16,062 |
| 29 | Academy of Hair Design - Lufkin Lufkin, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 70% | $12,352 | $14,039 |
| 30 | Professional Institute of Beauty El Monte, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 76% | $13,152 | $15,081 |
| 31 | G Skin & Beauty Institute Schaumburg, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 64% | $21,849 | $21,461 |
| 32 | David Pressley School of Cosmetology Royal Oak, MIPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 87% | $20,346 | $13,360 |
| 33 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Barranquitas Barranquitas, PRPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 38% | $8,476 | — |
| 34 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Fajardo Fajardo, PRPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 38% | $11,242 | — |
| 35 | Empire Beauty School - Morrow Morrow, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 29% | $18,476 | $16,251 |
| 36 | Empire Beauty School - Cheltenham Wyncote, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 51% | $19,916 | $15,679 |
| 37 | Winonah's International School of Cosmetology Hoover, ALPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 61% | $12,675 | — |
| 38 | Cosmetology & Spa Academy Crystal Lake, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 70% | $16,160 | $22,096 |
| 39 | PJ's College of Cosmetology - Bowling Green Bowling Green, KYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 64% | $21,241 | $21,439 |
| 40 | Empire Beauty School - Michigan Grand Rapids, MIPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 57% | $17,540 | $16,062 |
| 41 | Missouri College of Cosmetology and Esthetics Jefferson City, MOPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 79% | $18,879 | $19,818 |
| 42 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest Newbern, TNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 69% | — | $12,140 |
| 43 | Paul Mitchell the School - Spokane Spokane Valley, WAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 54% | $21,992 | $24,554 |
| 44 | City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College Chicago, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 32% | — | — |
| 45 | Paul Mitchell the School - Louisville Louisville, KYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 73% | $28,293 | $20,033 |
| 46 | Robert Fiance Beauty Schools - West New York West New York, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 67% | — | $14,650 |
| 47 | Empire Beauty School - Lehigh Valley Whitehall, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 67% | $20,060 | $16,429 |
| 48 | Empire Beauty School - Gwinnett Lawrenceville, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 50% | $16,520 | $18,639 |
| 49 | Paul Mitchell the School - Richland Richland, WAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 74% | $28,975 | $20,689 |
| 50 | Georgia Institute of Cosmetology Athens, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 54% | $13,045 | $16,832 |
* 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 42 states & territories
Where Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor 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 Cosmetology program can pursue careers as barbers, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. The job outlook for this field is promising, with a projected growth rate of 4.1% and approximately 8,400 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this sector is around $38,960, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 12.0413
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 |
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists SOC 39-5012 | $35,790 | +5.6% Faster than average | ~75,800 | 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 Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor 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 - Barbering/CIP 12.0402
Barber 12,249 graduates / yr503 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 - 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 is the duration of the Cosmetology program?+
The program offers awards ranging from less than 12 weeks to 2 years.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will learn active listening, critical thinking, and customer service skills.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a barber, hairdresser, hairstylist, or cosmetologist.
What is the job outlook for cosmetology professionals?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.1%.
What is the CIP code for Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor?+
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor is CIP 12.0413 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 cosmetologists, barbers, stylists, nail technicians, and other grooming specialists to teach their specializations in licensed and accredited schools of cosmetology and barbering, and to prepare for licensure as instructors. Includes instruction in cosmetology arts and sciences teaching principles; student learning styles; professional curricula development; instructional planning; instructional methods and aids; student counseling and career assistance; test development; and classroom/clinic management.
How many institutions offer Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor programs?+
319 U.S. institutions reported Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 42 states & territories, awarding 1,259 credentials in the year. That is 0.9% of all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
How much do Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Barbers occupation, which Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor 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 $16,872 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.
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