Best institutions to study Cosmetology/Cosmetologist
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 prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologists in specialized or full-service salons.
1,353 U.S. institutions graduated 56,828 Cosmetology/Cosmetologist students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 12.0401, a specialization of Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (CIP 12.04), and leads most directly to the Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists occupation (BLS SOC 39-5012).
About Cosmetology/Cosmetologist programs
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 prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologists in specialized or full-service salons. Includes instruction in hair cutting and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, facial treatments, shampooing, chemical applications, esthetics, shop management, sanitation and safety, customer service, and applicable professional and labor laws and regulations.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Cosmetology/Cosmetologist program prepares individuals for a dynamic career in the beauty and personal grooming industry. This program is ideal for those who have a passion for hair, skin, and nail care and seek to work in specialized or full-service salons. Students will gain the skills necessary to become licensed cosmetologists, providing a range of services to clients.
Students in this program will learn essential skills such as hair cutting and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, and facial treatments. Coursework also includes shop management, sanitation and safety practices, customer service, and applicable laws and regulations, ensuring a comprehensive education in cosmetology.
Credentials awarded
What Cosmetology/Cosmetologist graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years49,401 graduates / yr · 1,266 institutions87%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year4,600 graduates / yr · 117 institutions8.1%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years1,619 graduates / yr · 67 institutions2.8%
- Associate's degree1,147 graduates / yr · 123 institutions2.0%
- Award of less than 12 weeks61 graduates / yr · 8 institutions0.1%
Graduates over time
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 88,632 |
| 2013 | 86,416 |
| 2014 | 82,178 |
| 2015 | 77,073 |
| 2016 | 63,212 |
| 2017 | 60,104 |
| 2018 | 56,016 |
| 2019 | 52,052 |
| 2020 | 45,599 |
| 2021 | 46,459 |
| 2022 | 50,211 |
| 2023 | 53,603 |
| 2024 | 55,875 |
| 2025 | 56,828 |
Top 50 institutions for Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, 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 | Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute - Covington Covington, LAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 863 | 80% | $24,644 | $18,605 |
| 2 | NUC University Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 430 | 54% | $9,377 | $10,216 |
| 3 | West Georgia Technical College Waco, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 284 | 35% | — | $11,925 |
| 4 | Aveda Institute - South Florida Davie, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 278 | 73% | $27,329 | $17,806 |
| 5 | 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 | 276 | 50% | — | $19,659 |
| 6 | Douglas J Aveda Institute East Lansing, MIPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 260 | 83% | $26,406 | $18,082 |
| 7 | Evergreen Beauty and Barber College - Everett Everett, WAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 255 | 83% | $18,663 | $23,420 |
| 8 | 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 | 246 | 47% | — | — |
| 9 | Paul Mitchell the School - Temecula Temecula, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 232 | 69% | $34,228 | $14,507 |
| 10 | Coastal Pines Technical College Waycross, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 230 | 48% | — | — |
| 11 | Empire Beauty School - Manhattan New York, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 220 | 51% | $21,646 | $15,322 |
| 12 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 217 | 35% | — | — |
| 13 | Asian - American International Beauty College Westminster, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 217 | 90% | — | $9,647 |
| 14 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 211 | 30% | — | $15,655 |
| 15 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - Ft Worth Fort Worth, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 210 | 82% | $20,903 | $20,106 |
| 16 | Georgia Northwestern Technical College Rome, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 209 | 43% | — | — |
| 17 | Aveda Institute - Tampa Bay Clearwater, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 207 | 71% | $23,585 | $19,456 |
| 18 | Brillare Beauty Institute Cleveland, TNPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 197 | 84% | $27,451 | $20,885 |
| 19 | COLLECTIV Academy - Worcester Worcester, MAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 182 | 81% | $36,401 | $20,720 |
| 20 | Southern Regional Technical College Thomasville, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 181 | 31% | — | $15,168 |
| 21 | Riverside City College Riverside, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 179 | 37% | — | $13,431 |
| 22 | Cerritos College Norwalk, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 178 | 31% | — | $13,133 |
| 23 | Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 178 | 36% | — | — |
| 24 | Milan Institute - Bakersfield Bakersfield, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 177 | 59% | $30,443 | $13,386 |
| 25 | Z Hair Academy Overland Park, KSPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 175 | 74% | $15,958 | $21,750 |
| 26 | Paul Mitchell the School - Houston Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 171 | 81% | $22,605 | $19,036 |
| 27 | Southern Crescent Technical College Griffin, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 165 | 58% | — | — |
| 28 | Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 165 | 68% | $20,394 | $24,230 |
| 29 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - Dallas Dallas, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 165 | 69% | $22,117 | $20,106 |
| 30 | IBMC College Fort Collins, COPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 162 | 86% | $23,751 | $22,822 |
| 31 | Paul Mitchell the School - Costa Mesa Costa Mesa, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 162 | 82% | $12,448 | $16,464 |
| 32 | Citrus College Glendora, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 159 | 41% | — | — |
| 33 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - Stafford Stafford, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 157 | 81% | $22,650 | $18,916 |
| 34 | Golden West College Huntington Beach, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 152 | 49% | — | — |
| 35 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - San Antonio San Antonio, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 152 | 76% | $21,751 | $20,020 |
| 36 | Fullerton College Fullerton, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 149 | 34% | — | — |
| 37 | Paul Mitchell the School - Charlotte Charlotte, NCPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 144 | 56% | $15,034 | $20,877 |
| 38 | Total Image Beauty Academy Union City, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 143 | 99% | $14,121 | $12,507 |
| 39 | Tennessee School of Beauty of Knoxville Inc Knoxville, TNPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 142 | 82% | $12,788 | $17,506 |
| 40 | Celebrity School of Beauty Miami, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 142 | 71% | $6,774 | $13,305 |
| 41 | Nouvelle Institute Miami, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 141 | 87% | $12,910 | — |
| 42 | Delta Technical College - Mississippi Horn Lake, MSPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 141 | 71% | $18,202 | $15,576 |
| 43 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 140 | 38% | — | $16,767 |
| 44 | Capri Cosmetology Learning Centers Nanuet, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 138 | 89% | $18,257 | $17,982 |
| 45 | Long Island Beauty School - Hauppauge Hauppauge, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 137 | 75% | $23,106 | $14,931 |
| 46 | Intellitec College - Grand Junction Grand Junction, COPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 135 | 63% | $17,515 | $18,804 |
| 47 | Mountainland Technical College Lehi, UTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 135 | 84% | — | $18,218 |
| 48 | Alturas Cosmetology of Arizona, LLC Chandler, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 131 | 77% | $20,967 | $22,434 |
| 49 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - Willowbrook Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 129 | 70% | $22,580 | $18,916 |
| 50 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - Arlington Arlington, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 128 | 72% | $23,423 | $20,020 |
* 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 51 states & territories
Where Cosmetology/Cosmetologist graduates come from. Each state links to all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 39-5012, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Cosmetology/Cosmetologist program can pursue careers as hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 5.6% and approximately 75,800 annual openings. The median wage for cosmetologists is $35,250, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 12.0401
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistsprimary SOC 39-5012 | $35,790 | +5.6% Faster than average | ~75,800 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Manicurists and Pedicurists SOC 39-5092 | $35,760 | +7.0% Faster than average | ~24,800 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Skincare Specialists SOC 39-5094 | $45,330 | +6.7% Faster than average | ~14,500 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Shampooers SOC 39-5093 | $32,600 | +5.5% Faster than average | ~2,700 | No formal educational credential |
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance SOC 39-5091 | $97,150 | +8.1% Much faster than average | ~1,100 | 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/Cosmetologist 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
- 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.
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).
- 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 - 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 is the duration of the Cosmetology program?+
The program typically awards credentials in at least 1 but less than 2 academic years.
What types of careers can I pursue after completing this program?+
You can work as a hairdresser, hairstylist, manicurist, skincare specialist, or makeup artist.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will learn skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and customer service.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 1,353 colleges offering the Cosmetology/Cosmetologist program across the U.S.
What is the CIP code for Cosmetology/Cosmetologist?+
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist is CIP 12.0401 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 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 prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologists in specialized or full-service salons. Includes instruction in hair cutting and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, facial treatments, shampooing, chemical applications, esthetics, shop management, sanitation and safety, customer service, and applicable professional and labor laws and regulations.
How many institutions offer Cosmetology/Cosmetologist programs?+
1,353 U.S. institutions reported Cosmetology/Cosmetologist graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 51 states & territories, awarding 56,828 credentials in the year. That is 42.7% of all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
How much do Cosmetology/Cosmetologist graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists occupation, which Cosmetology/Cosmetologist most directly leads to, pays a median of $35,790 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services field report median earnings of $17,143 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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