National Rankings

Best Cosmetology License Programs

Compare top-rated Cosmetology License training providers across 51 states

90 programs ranked51 states90 total providers
1

Santa Monica College

Community College Santa Monica, CA
101/100
Editor's Pick Highest Pass Rate

Santa Monica College offers a distinguished Cosmetology program designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the beauty industry. Accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), the program adheres to high educational and professional standards. Wi...

Tuition

$8,000

Duration

1600 hours

Pass Rate

90%

Accreditation

Accredited by NACCAS

  • Lower tuition costs compared to four-year universities, making it a more affordable option for initial college education or for students aiming to transfer to a four-year institution.
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate students who work or have personal commitments, offering evening, weekend, and online classes.
2

Miami Dade College - School of Cosmetology

Community College Miami, FL
101/100
Highest Pass Rate

Miami Dade College - School of Cosmetology offers a focused and practical cosmetology training program designed to equip students with the skills necessary for a successful career in the beauty industry. The program's tuition cost of approximately $5,500 makes it an affordable option for those se...

Tuition

$5,500

Duration

12 months

Pass Rate

95%

Accreditation

Accredited by NACCAS

  • Lower tuition costs compared to four-year institutions provide a more affordable education pathway, minimizing student debt.
  • Focused hands-on training in cosmetology enhances practical skills, preparing students effectively for real-world salon environments.
3

Johnson County Community College

Community College Overland Park, KS
101/100
Highest Pass Rate

Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS offers a range of career-focused training programs that cater to various sectors including transportation, healthcare, and beauty. The college provides accreditation-approved programs such as Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Certified Nursin...

Tuition

$9,000

Duration

12 months

Pass Rate

95%

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

  • Lower tuition rates compared to four-year institutions, making higher education more accessible and reducing student debt.
  • Flexible scheduling options including evening and online classes cater to working students and those with family responsibilities.

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4

State Fair Community College

Community College Sedalia, MO
101/100
Highest Pass Rate

State Fair Community College in Sedalia, MO, offers a focused Cosmetology training program designed to equip students with the necessary skills for a successful career in the beauty industry. With tuition set at approximately $9,500, the program presents an affordable path to gaining practical, h...

Tuition

$9,500

Duration

11 months

Pass Rate

95%

Accreditation

Accredited by NACCAS

  • Lower tuition costs compared to four-year institutions, making education more accessible and reducing student debt.
  • Flexible scheduling options including evening and online classes cater to working students and those with family commitments.
5

Olympian Academy of Cosmetology

Trade School Albuquerque, NM
101/100
Highest Pass Rate

Olympian Academy of Cosmetology in Albuquerque, NM, offers a detailed and practical cosmetology training program accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). With a tuition cost of approximately $8,000, the program is designed to be financially accessibl...

Tuition

$8,000

Duration

12 months

Pass Rate

90%

Accreditation

Accredited by NACCAS

  • Trade schools like Olympian Academy of Cosmetology typically offer lower tuition costs compared to four-year colleges, making education more accessible and reducing student debt.
  • Focused curriculum and hands-on training ensure students gain practical skills directly applicable to their future careers in cosmetology, often leading to higher competence upon graduation.
6

Tulsa Technology Center

Trade School Tulsa, OK
101/100
Highest Pass Rate

Tulsa Technology Center stands out as a viable option for individuals aiming to enter the cosmetology industry, thanks to its accredited program recognized by the Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology. With tuition set at approximately $7,000, the center provides a financially accessible route for studen...

Tuition

$7,000

Duration

15 months

Pass Rate

95%

Accreditation

Accredited by the Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology

  • Cost-effective compared to traditional universities, Tulsa Technology Center offers specialized programs that can be completed in a shorter time frame, often resulting in less financial burden.
  • Emphasis on practical, hands-on training ensures students gain direct experience in their field, enhancing their skills and making them job-ready upon completion.
7

Lake Area Technical College

Community College Watertown, SD
101/100
Highest Pass Rate

Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD, is a community college that provides practical career training in fields such as CDL (commercial driving), cosmetology, and licensed practical nursing (LPN). With tuition set at approximately $2,900, this institution offers an affordable path to obtai...

Tuition

Approximately $6,500

Duration

18 months

Pass Rate

95%

Accreditation

Accredited by NACCAS

  • Lower cost compared to four-year institutions allows students to save on tuition and potentially graduate with less debt.
  • Programs offer practical, hands-on training that prepares students directly for specific careers, enhancing job readiness upon graduation.
8

Northern Virginia Community College

Community College Annandale, VA
101/100
Highest Pass Rate

Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, VA, provides a suite of career-focused training programs that are affordable and accredited, making it an attractive option for individuals aiming to enter or advance in the healthcare and beauty industries. The college offers Certified Nursing As...

Tuition

$9,000

Duration

2 years

Pass Rate

95%

Accreditation

Accredited by NACCAS

  • Lower tuition costs compared to four-year institutions, making education more accessible and reducing student debt.
  • Flexible scheduling options including evening, weekend, and online classes cater to working adults and part-time students.
9

Arkansas Beauty School

Training Provider Little Rock, AR
96/100
Highest Pass Rate

Arkansas Beauty School, located in Little Rock, AR, offers a cosmetology training program that is designed to provide students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge required in the beauty industry. The school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Scienc...

Tuition

$10,000

Duration

11 months

Pass Rate

95%

Accreditation

Accredited by NACCAS

  • Training at Arkansas Beauty School typically offers intensive hands-on training, allowing students to gain practical skills directly applicable to their future careers in beauty.
  • The school often has established connections with local salons and beauty businesses, enhancing job placement opportunities for graduates.
10

East Valley Institute of Technology

Trade School Mesa, AZ
96/100
Highest Pass Rate

The East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, AZ, provides a focused educational environment for individuals aiming to enter specific trades or enhance their skills in fields such as CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), Cosmetology, Garage Door Technician, and LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). The...

Tuition

$12,000

Duration

10 months

Pass Rate

95%

Accreditation

NACCAS Accredited

  • Cost-effective compared to four-year colleges, providing affordable education with less financial burden.
  • Focus on practical, hands-on training that prepares students directly for specific trades and industries.

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All Cosmetology License Providers

90 total providers offering Cosmetology License training.

11
Paul Mitchell The School

Trade School · Costa Mesa, CA · $20,000

96
12
Eric Fisher Academy

Trade School · Wichita, KS · $15,000

96
13
Empire Beauty School

Training Provider · Portland, ME · Approximately $12,000

96
14
Montana Academy of Salons

Training Provider · Great Falls, MT · $10,000

96
15
Mt. Hood Community College

Community College · Gresham, OR · $10,000

96
16
Paul Mitchell The School Nashville

Training Provider · Nashville, TN · $15,000

96
17
Paul Mitchell The School

Trade School · Woodbridge, VA · $15,000

96
18
Seattle Central College

Community College · Seattle, WA · $12,000

96
19
Wallace State Community College

Community College · Hanceville, AL · $4,800

76
20
Hinds Community College

Community College · Raymond, MS · USD 3,500

76
21
Central Piedmont Community College

Community College · Charlotte, NC · $4,000

76
22
University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College

Community College · North Little Rock, AR · $6,500

71
23
GateWay Community College

Community College · Phoenix, AZ · $6,500

71
24
Atlanta Technical College

Community College · Atlanta, GA · Approximately $6,000

71
25
Honolulu Community College

Community College · Honolulu, HI · Approximately USD 8,000

71
26
North Shore Community College

Community College · Danvers, MA · $7,000

71
27
Montgomery College

Community College · Rockville, MD · $8,500

71
28
Raritan Valley Community College

Community College · Branchburg, NJ · $9,000

71
29
Central New Mexico Community College

Community College · Albuquerque, NM · $7,500

71
30
Cuyahoga Community College

Community College · Cleveland, OH · $7,500

71
31
Francis Tuttle Technology Center

Trade School · Oklahoma City, OK · $6,500

71
32
Austin Community College

Community College · Austin, TX · Approximately $8,000

71
33
Madison Area Technical College

Community College · Madison, WI · $6,400

71
34
Carver Career and Technical Education Center

Training Provider · Charleston, WV · $7,500

71
35
Mountwest Community and Technical College

Community College · Huntington, WV · $8,000

71
36
Trend Setters School of Beauty

Trade School · Anchorage, AK · $10,000

66
37
Paul Mitchell The School Birmingham

Trade School · Hoover, AL · $15,000

66
38
Aveda Institute Denver

Training Provider · Denver, CO · $20,000

66
39
Emily Griffith Technical College

Community College · Denver, CO · $12,000

66
40
Oxford Academy of Hair Design

Trade School · Seymour, CT · Approximately $15,000

66
41
Bennett Career Institute

Training Provider · Washington, DC · Approximately $12,000

66
42
Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology

Training Provider · Dagsboro, DE · Approximately USD 12,000

66
43
Paul Mitchell The School Delaware

Training Provider · Newark, DE · Approximately USD 15,000

66
44
Paul Mitchell The School Tampa

Trade School · Tampa, FL · $14,000

66
45
Georgia Career Institute (Conyers)

Trade School · Conyers, GA · Approximately $17,000

66
46
I.T.S. Academy of Beauty

Trade School · Pearl City, HI · Approximately USD 12,000

66
47
Iowa School of Beauty

Trade School · Des Moines, IA · $15,000

66
48
La' James International College

Community College · Cedar Falls, IA · $20,000

66
49
Paul Mitchell The School Boise

Training Provider · Boise, ID · Approximately $16,000

66
50
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

Training Provider · Chicago, IL · $18,000

66
51
Pivot Point Academy

Training Provider · Bloomingdale, IL · $16,500

66
52
Aveda Fredric's Institute

Training Provider · Indianapolis, IN · $20,000

66
53
Paul Mitchell The School Lexington

Training Provider · Lexington, KY · Approximately $15,000

66
54
Empire Beauty School

Training Provider · Louisville, KY · Approximately $12,000

66
55
Aveda Institute Baton Rouge

Training Provider · Baton Rouge, LA · $20,000

66
56
Vanguard College of Cosmetology, A Paul Mitchell Partner School

Training Provider · Metairie, LA · $15,000 to $18,000

66
57
Empire Beauty School

Trade School · Boston, MA · $19,000

66
58
The Temple: A Paul Mitchell Partner School

Trade School · Frederick, MD · $15,000

66
59
Douglas J Aveda Institute

Training Provider · East Lansing, MI · $18,000

66
60
Aveda Institute Minneapolis

Training Provider · Minneapolis, MN · $20,000

66
61
Grabber School of Hair Design

Trade School · St. Louis, MO · $18,000

66
62
Mississippi College of Beauty Culture

Training Provider · Laurel, MS · USD 10,000

66
63
Aveda Institute Chapel Hill

Training Provider · Chapel Hill, NC · $20,000

66
64
Josef's School of Hair, Skin & Body

Training Provider · Fargo, ND · Approximately $15,000

66
65
Joseph's College Cosmetology

Training Provider · Lincoln, NE · $15,000

66
66
Xenon Academy

Private Academy · Omaha, NE · $20,000

66
67
Keene Beauty Academy

Training Provider · Keene, NH · Approximately $15,000

66
68
Empire Beauty School

Training Provider · Hooksett, NH · Approximately $19,000

66
69
Capri Institute of Hair Design

Trade School · Paramus, NJ · $15,000

66
70
Paul Mitchell The School Las Vegas

Training Provider · Las Vegas, NV · Approximately $20,000

66
71
Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts & Sciences

Training Provider · Las Vegas, NV · Approximately $17,500

66
72
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes New York

Training Provider · New York, NY · $13,500

66
73
Empire Beauty School

Training Provider · Brooklyn, NY · $10,000

66
74
Aveda Fredric's Institute

Training Provider · Cincinnati, OH · $20,000

66
75
Paul Mitchell The School

Training Provider · Columbus, OH · $15,000

66
76
Phagans' School of Hair Design

Training Provider · Portland, OR · $20,000

66
77
Empire Beauty School

Training Provider · Philadelphia, PA · $19,000

66
78
Jean Madeline Aveda Institute

Training Provider · Philadelphia, PA · $18,000

66
79
Paul Mitchell The School Rhode Island

Training Provider · Cranston, RI · Approximately $15,000

66
80
Paul Mitchell The School Greenville

Training Provider · Greenville, SC · Approximately $15,000

66
81
Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology

Training Provider · Columbia, SC · Approximately $12,000

66
82
Black Hills Beauty College

Trade School · Rapid City, SD · Approximately $17,000

66
83
Tennessee School of Beauty

Training Provider · Knoxville, TN · $12,000

66
84
Ogle School of Hair, Skin & Nails

Training Provider · Dallas, TX · Approximately $15,000

66
85
Taylor Andrews Academy

Trade School · West Jordan, UT · $15,000

66
86
Paul Mitchell The School

Trade School · Salt Lake City, UT · $20,000

66
87
O'Briens Aveda Institute

Training Provider · South Burlington, VT · $15,000

66
88
Gene Juarez Academy

Trade School · Mountlake Terrace, WA · $20,000

66
89
The Institute of Beauty and Wellness

Trade School · Milwaukee, WI · $16,000

66
90
Cheeks International Academy of Beauty Culture

Trade School · Cheyenne, WY · $10,000

66

Cosmetology License Programs by State

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Check requirements for your state or browse all providers.

How We Rank Programs

Programs are scored on a 100-point scale based on publicly available data. Our composite score weighs multiple factors:

Pass Rate

Up to 30 pts

Cost

Up to 25 pts

Accreditation

Up to 15 pts

Program Length

Up to 10 pts

All programs start with a base of 50 points. Scores are for informational purposes and should be one factor in your decision. Read our full methodology.

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