Best institutions to study Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design
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 cosmetologists, hairdressers, and barbers at various levels.
88 U.S. institutions graduated 1,479 Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 12.0407, 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 Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design programs
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 cosmetologists, hairdressers, and barbers at various levels. Includes instruction in hair design theory and concepts, hair cleaning and shampooing, hair coloring, chemical applications and permanent reconstructions, hair anatomy and physiology, scalp diseases and treatments, wig and hairpiece fitting, hair braiding, customer service, shop management, equipment operation, health and safety, and applicable laws and regulations.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design program prepares individuals for a rewarding career in cosmetology and personal grooming services. This program is designed for those interested in learning the art and science of hair care, including cutting, styling, and coloring techniques for both men and women. Students will gain the skills necessary to thrive in various beauty settings.
Core coursework includes hair design theory, customer service, shop management, and health and safety practices. Students will learn essential skills such as hair cleaning, chemical applications, and wig fitting, ensuring they are well-equipped for licensure and professional success.
Credentials awarded
What Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years1,369 graduates / yr · 78 institutions93%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year83 graduates / yr · 9 institutions5.6%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years20 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.4%
- Award of less than 12 weeks7 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.5%
Graduates over time
Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,711 |
| 2013 | 1,293 |
| 2014 | 1,356 |
| 2015 | 1,290 |
| 2016 | 819 |
| 2017 | 707 |
| 2018 | 905 |
| 2019 | 773 |
| 2020 | 1,011 |
| 2021 | 1,029 |
| 2022 | 1,238 |
| 2023 | 1,156 |
| 2024 | 1,386 |
| 2025 | 1,479 |
Top 50 institutions for Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design, 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 | Parisian Beauty School Hackensack, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 237 | 88% | $22,332 | $15,517 |
| 2 | Futura Career Institute Hialeah, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 169 | 89% | $22,298 | $14,061 |
| 3 | Clarendon College Clarendon, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 102 | 41% | — | — |
| 4 | Bellus Academy - Poway Poway, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 59 | 73% | $29,485 | $17,745 |
| 5 | Penrose Academy Scottsdale, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 56 | 90% | $24,186 | $23,700 |
| 6 | Northland Pioneer College Holbrook, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 47 | 22% | — | — |
| 7 | Phagans Central Oregon Beauty College Bend, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 47 | 77% | $11,952 | $15,816 |
| 8 | NUC University Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 44 | 54% | $9,377 | $10,216 |
| 9 | Bellus Academy - El Cajon El Cajon, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 41 | 72% | $30,019 | $14,350 |
| 10 | Bellus Academy - Chula Vista Chula Vista, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 39 | 68% | $21,982 | $14,996 |
| 11 | Aveda Institute - Portland Portland, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 38 | 77% | $12,108 | $21,907 |
| 12 | Mountainland Technical College Lehi, UTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 30 | 84% | — | $18,218 |
| 13 | Alturas Cosmetology of Arizona, LLC Chandler, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 27 | 77% | $20,967 | $22,434 |
| 14 | Davis Technical College Kaysville, UTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 22 | 57% | — | $18,745 |
| 15 | Century College San Juan, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 21 | 90% | — | $7,902 |
| 16 | MTI College Sacramento, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 20 | 77% | $22,079 | $21,371 |
| 17 | TIGI Hairdressing Academy Guilford Guilford, CTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 20 | 60% | $20,289 | — |
| 18 | Academy of Cosmetology Merritt Island, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 19 | 39% | $21,755 | $14,988 |
| 19 | The Barber School Midvale, UTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 59% | $22,128 | $16,343 |
| 20 | Fayetteville Technical Community College Fayetteville, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 24% | — | — |
| 21 | Aveda Institute - Phoenix Tempe, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 16 | 68% | $24,098 | $23,086 |
| 22 | Phagans Grants Pass College of Beauty Grants Pass, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 96% | $13,179 | $17,216 |
| 23 | Northwest College - Eugene Springfield, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 68% | $25,401 | $18,371 |
| 24 | Phagans School of Hair Design Happy Valley, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | 80% | $11,289 | $16,034 |
| 25 | Phagans Beauty College Corvallis, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 86% | $7,828 | $19,966 |
| 26 | Paul Mitchell the School - Salt Lake City Holladay, UTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 88% | $13,468 | $21,219 |
| 27 | Keune Academy by 124 Lawrenceville, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 85% | $16,120 | $19,319 |
| 28 | Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design - West Jordan West Jordan, UTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 72% | $16,344 | $20,460 |
| 29 | Boca Beauty Academy Boca Raton, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 90% | $22,132 | $16,730 |
| 30 | Beau Monde Academy of Barbering and Cosmetology Portland, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 77% | $28,192 | $15,905 |
| 31 | Johnny Matthew's Hairdressing Training School Salem, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 59% | $25,124 | — |
| 32 | Academy of Hair Design - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NVPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 12 | 85% | $23,058 | $14,299 |
| 33 | Trenz Beauty Academy Calumet City, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 61% | — | $10,284 |
| 34 | Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design - Provo Provo, UTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 83% | $21,460 | $20,460 |
| 35 | Summit Salon Academy - Portland Tigard, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 72% | $12,163 | $27,110 |
| 36 | Hastings Beauty School Hastings, MNPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 69% | $15,889 | $23,396 |
| 37 | International Beauty Education Center Spokane, WAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 81% | $17,321 | — |
| 38 | Salon Institute - Toledo Campus Toledo, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 61% | $17,233 | $22,672 |
| 39 | GateWay Community College - Central City Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 55% | — | — |
| 40 | Northwest College - Beaverton Beaverton, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 50% | $20,162 | $18,371 |
| 41 | Phagans School of Beauty Salem, ORPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 78% | $11,182 | $20,537 |
| 42 | Cameo College of Essential Beauty Murray, UTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 85% | — | $22,885 |
| 43 | Portage Lakes Career Center Uniontown, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 69% | — | — |
| 44 | Aveda Institute - Provo Provo, UTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 84% | $17,682 | $19,530 |
| 45 | Sierra Academy of Style Carson City, NVPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 76% | $13,763 | — |
| 46 | Clarksburg Beauty Academy and School of Massage Therapy Clarksburg, WVPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 73% | $11,465 | $21,049 |
| 47 | Morgantown Beauty College Inc Morgantown, WVPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 72% | $12,074 | — |
| 48 | Tucson College of Beauty Tucson, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 76% | $18,273 | $17,651 |
| 49 | Renaissance Academie Provo, UTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 85% | $22,990 | $11,932 |
| 50 | The Spa School Columbus, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 70% | $19,326 | $20,256 |
* 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 25 states & territories
Where Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design 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 this program can pursue careers as hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, with an expected job growth rate of 5.6%. The field offers approximately 75,800 annual openings, and the median wage for these positions is $35,250, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 12.0407
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 |
Barbers 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 Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design 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).
- 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 - 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 can I do with this degree?+
You can work as a hairdresser, hairstylist, or cosmetologist.
How long does the program take?+
The program typically awards credentials in 1 to 2 academic years.
What skills will I learn?+
You will learn hair cutting, styling, chemical applications, and customer service.
What is the job outlook?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with 5.6% growth expected.
What is the CIP code for Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design?+
Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design is CIP 12.0407 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 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 cosmetologists, hairdressers, and barbers at various levels. Includes instruction in hair design theory and concepts, hair cleaning and shampooing, hair coloring, chemical applications and permanent reconstructions, hair anatomy and physiology, scalp diseases and treatments, wig and hairpiece fitting, hair braiding, customer service, shop management, equipment operation, health and safety, and applicable laws and regulations.
How many institutions offer Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design programs?+
88 U.S. institutions reported Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 25 states & territories, awarding 1,479 credentials in the year. That is 1.1% of all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
How much do Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists occupation, which Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design 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 $18,745 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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