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What is Cosmetology?

The practice of cosmetology encompasses the study and application of beauty treatment.  Cosmetology professionals were often associated with being a hair stylist by the previous generation.  Today, trained cosmetology schools create professionals that will perform a range of treatments and solutions.  Examples include the following disciplines:

Individuals who study at accredited cosmetology colleges will learn the foundational skills needed to start a career in the field.  It is worth noting that fields of specialization such as electrolysis and makeup artistry may require a specific training program.  As you will learn, cosmetologists work in a variety of business from spas and salons to hotels and resorts, along with stand-alone businesses.

Cosmetology is an exciting field providing a variety of services and specializations with a variety of training programs.  Professionals in the beauty industry may work for a large corporation, a small business, or be an entrepreneur start their own business.  A cosmetologist looking to earn a role as a trainer may choose to an alternate path.  Instructors and trainers in the beauty industry must take an additional set of courses specifically designed to prepare individuals as instructors.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$29,590

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

352,380

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Cosmetology Schools

Casal Institute of Nevada (Casal Institute of Nevada) is an institution accredited by the National Accrediting Committee of Career Arts and Science in 2009. This is a professional organization focusing on cosmetology education and training.  The Casal Institute of Nevada (Casal Institute of Nevada) is a beauty school that offers a wide range of top ranked cosmetology majors and certificate programs. This includes certificate courses for general beauticians/cosmetology and skin care specialists and beauticians/beauticians. To be admitted to the school, an applicant must pass the following: formal demonstration of competence, secondary school GPA, rank, and school record. 

Acceptance Rate

79

Tuition

$21,301 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Since 1969, the Pennsylvania Central Institute of Science and Technology has been an expert in providing outstanding vocational, vocational, and technical training to public schools and adult learners. It is a leading institute with both institutional and program accreditation by different accrediting bodies. 

CPI offers a comprehensive post-secondary diploma cosmetology course of 1250 clock hours. The program includes teaching units for general science, field history, hair, skin, nail care, and business skills. At the end of the course, students who have passed and completed 1250 hours of designated education and training will receive a state permit. 

Acceptance Rate

89.77

Tuition

$15,340 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Mercer County Technical Education Center is West Virginia's premier technical and vocational education institution. It aims to prepare students with first-class technical and academic skills to obtain career opportunities in the 21st century.

MCTEC promotes a leading cosmetology program in cosmetology. The plan hopes to meet the standards of the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Beauticians and has been approved by the COE. MCTEC’s program requires a total of 1800 training hours in various areas of the cosmetology industry.

Acceptance Rate

80.43

Tuition

$5,517 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

This is a two-year curriculum institution that focuses on providing students with career-based education. As an institution, LBI fosters hands-on learning and encourages learners to participate in the entire discussion, and build meaningful relationships between the class and the faculty.  For learners who are eager to embrace the art of beauty, Laurel Business Institute (Laurel Business Institute) has developed some plans to provide students with the necessary knowledge and appropriate training. Laurel has different plans for cosmetology, including plans for a master's degree in cosmetology. Students will be trained, guided, and advised to become leaders in the field of cosmetology at LBI.

Acceptance Rate

91.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Laurel Technical Institute offers high-quality two-year courses in a number of occupations as well as vocational and technical education. It motivates students to achieve professional achievement through rigorous and purposeful training.  LTI aims to provide students with knowledge of beauty and train them to prepare with top ranked cosmetology courses. Students are encouraged to enroll and finish a two-year program as administered by LTI’s school for cosmetology. Ensure that the cosmetology program graduates of the Technical College are prepared and competent for employment.

Acceptance Rate

91.86

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Since 1888, Utah State University has been a public land research institution with an excellent academic record. USU offers a broad assortment of programs and courses under the supervision of USU’s system and faculty.  In USU, there is a place waiting for beauty lovers. The university offers a program in cosmetology that prepares them for a State Board Exam for licensure and become a licensed cosmetologist. In addition to the basic knowledge of cosmetology, it also provides students with advantages in learning haircuts, nails and skin care.

Acceptance Rate

90.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The University of Pennsylvania School of Business and Technology is a two-year technical college. The mission of the institution is to enable students to discover their potential and become leaders in their fields and selected majors.

University of Pennsylvania School of Business – Welcome and train beauticians through the Toni & Guy School of Hairdressing Technical School. The program not only enables students to be competent and prepare to pass the state legislative examination, but also makes students the best students in the league. In addition, the institution also offers comprehensive courses in aesthetics. 

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Founded in 1899, Northern Michigan University is a public research university on the Upper Peninsula. There are 8,000 students in NMU's undergraduate and graduate programs.

NMU offers beauty courses, including two-year certificate courses, one-semester beauty instructor certificate, one-semester beauty and beauty courses, one-semester manicure certificate. Students can choose to focus on specific areas of the beauty field and advance their training. A combination of classroom and laboratory work is offered to students of cosmetology program at NMU.

Acceptance Rate

65.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The University of the Highlands of Siena is known for its Roman Catholic heritage and has been a first-class Catholic university since 1919. SHU's undergraduate college is divided into 7 departments and offers more than 40 academic courses.

Siena Heights University provides accredited courses in cosmetology. SHU has a plan for students who are interested in skin care specialists, which they can use when making inquiries. At the time of admission, the applicant must provide and pass the university's requirements. 

Acceptance Rate

73.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

At the Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career Center, everyone is welcome to receive education and training. Its mission is to pave a lifelong career path for individuals through appropriate and effective education.  The Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career Center offers a comprehensive program in cosmetology. Its courses are designed to provide students with basic knowledge and in-depth knowledge in the field of beauty. In addition, the career and future of the graduates of the Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career Center set higher standards.

Acceptance Rate

27.88

Tuition

$10,607 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

2:1

PJ’s College of Cosmetology is a college dedicated to cultivating students’ skills and appreciation for cosmetology and its art. It has 11 campuses all over Kentucky, including the campus in Glasgow.

For an individual with the interest of learning the core competencies of cosmetology in hopes for a career building or business endeavors can start by enrolling in PJ's College of Cosmetology – Glasgow. The cosmetology curriculum for this program covers 1,500 hours of training that offers students a more flexible schedule. Everything to be learned about hair, skin, and nails is tackled and dissected in a classroom theory and salon practice.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,316 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Washburn Institute of Technology is part of the University of Washington’s commitment to awarding associate degrees and professional and technical discipline certificates. WIT brings a glorious career and future to students through its strong business and relationships with industry institutions and companies.

The beauty course at Washburn Institute of Technology provides students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to work in the beauty field. Furthermore, Washburn Tech tailored their cosmetology certificate program in accordance with the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. It has a total of 1,500 hours, including classroom and clinical instruction.

Acceptance Rate

50.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Fred W. Eberle Technical Center is a multi-county vocational and technical college in West Virginia, established in 1968. FETC promotes intellectual development and promotes the professional development and growth of students.   FETC provides cosmetology careers for individuals who wish to hone and develop their potential in the field of cosmetology. The program offers a total of 300 hours of training in cosmetology classes, business practices, knowledge, and skills. Applicant's requirements include high school diploma or any equivalent documents, drug screening, background check, interview and entrance exam.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

United Beauty College, located in the metropolitan area of Denver, CO, focuses on cosmetology training for interested students. United Beauty College is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, having held that accreditation for the last three straight years. This school primarily provides education in the area of cosmetology by experienced teaching professionals, increasing the chances that students who complete the program get the skills and abilities needed to pursue licensure and long term employment. In addition, this school also provides an esthetics program, which offers a comprehensive education in the field of skin care and treatment, a barbering program, which provides an education aimed toward cutting and grooming hair for boys and men., and a nail technology program for individuals who wish to pursue nail care.

United Beauty College graduates close to 120 students annually, with a graduation rate of around 87%.

Local and state licensing procedures may differ, and as such it is recommended students research getting a license in cosmetology. For additional information regarding consumer disclosures, interested individuals may visit the school's website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,657 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$13,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Jenny Lee Beauty Academy is a place for aspiring beauty experts. JLA hopes to change lives through their comprehensive and efficient programs in cosmetology, nails, aesthetics, and barber.

As a part of its leading programs, JLA introduces a more coherent program in Cosmetology. Students at JLA train and learn all fields of cosmetology through JLA’s MiLady training system. JLA has its own designated plans and courses to meet the training needs of each student.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$10,360 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Toni and Guy Hairdressing Academy has 50 years of rich culture and history of bringing in talents and creations to the community and the world by extension. The school is committed to assisting new generations become professionals in the field of beauty industry.   As a leader in the beauty industry and training, Tony and Guy Hair Academy set up unique beauty courses. Students can have a guaranteed jumpstart in their career through the institution’s leadership and supervision. Toni and Guy’s entire cosmetology course involves two basic knowledge, they hope to develop and provide students with basic tools and knowledge of hairdressing and cosmetology.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,860 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

The Academy of Nail Skin and Hair is an outstanding place for individuals to train and learn about cosmetology. The academy seeks to produce individuals with license and adept knowledge and skills in their chosen specialty in cosmetology.  The college focuses on cosmetology, offering different courses in hair care, makeup and skin care. An accreditation has been given to its programs by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. In addition, a successful start is to wait in the college for individuals who want to learn and start quickly in the field of cosmetology.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$15,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Paroba College (Paroba College) is Washington's famous top school for beauty, hairdressing and cosmetology. Paroba prides itself on a series of respected and well-trained lecturers to guide their students through rigorous and dynamic training.

Among its top-notching programs related in the beauty industry, Paroba College offers a comprehensive program in Cosmetology. Paroba prepares a 14-month of hands-on cosmetology training program which awards students with a certificate program. Students can expect a community of experienced constructors to guide them in their learning and preparation to pass the certificate program.

Acceptance Rate

84.42

Tuition

$11,678 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Evans Hairstyling College – Cedar City has a focus on cosmetology, an accredited institution by the NACCAS since 1988. To be admitted, the applicants of Evans Hairstyling College must submit proof of a high school diploma or GED on or before the first day of enrollment.  Evans Hairstyling College seeks to produce graduates with competence and skills in cosmetology. Through its accredited cosmetology degree programs and experienced instructors, students will have the opportunity to expand their learnings and education in the field. To enroll, the Evans Hairstyling College demands all the required documents from an applicant.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The Blue Cliff Career College is an institution with various and broad offerings in cosmetology, massage therapy, barbering, and esthetics. In addition, Blue Cliff Vocational College is an excellent training venue, providing students with unparalleled education and training services.  Its beauty courses include 1,5,000 hours of courses, focusing on the current emerging beauty culture technology. Blue Cliff Vocational College ensures that it provides students with a comprehensive experience involving practical skills and knowledge through classroom theory and laboratory experience. At the end of the program, students are expected to develop proficiency in all learning areas of cosmetology.

Acceptance Rate

85.19

Tuition

$16,025 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc. – Alliance is a private school for beauty focused careers and education. Since its establishment, over the years, the agency has received many different accreditations from the country's certification bodies.  At Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc – Alliance, students can enjoy tons of opportunities in the field of cosmetology through the school’s alliance and connection to several beauty brands. Students are given with the equal chance to work with the top salons and beauty brands during the course of their training. The school strives to support and guide students to reach and pass the State Council Licensing Examination.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,740 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Moore Norman Technology Center is guided by its talented and experienced teachers and provides unique and comprehensive 32 career plans. Its mission is to prepare individuals to achieve excellence in their careers and professional fields.  Moore Norman Technology Center is a school for top cosmetology programs. This course is open, and both high school and adult learners can participate. Strictly speaking, high school students can take classes in the beauty classes at the Moor Norman Technical Center during the day, while adults can take classes at night. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,625 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

The Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc is one of the competent and leading career-based schools in the country. It has different campuses, including the highly competitive campus in Neles. Is a premiere school of cosmetology, the Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc houses high-quality programs in cosmetology including an advanced course. The advanced course gives individuals the chance to grow and expand their skills in cosmetology. Provided exclusively to licensed beauty professionals.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,740 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc – Boardman is one among the several locations of Raphael's School of The School of Beauty Culture Inc. is committed to cultivating highly qualified and skilled graduates in the field of beauty.   The Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc – Boardman has programs for both beginners and professions in the beauty industry. Whether they are licensed professionals or people who want to work in cosmetology, the institution is committed to providing you with suitable courses. Raphael's students are granted with the advantage of working with highly-recognized salons and brands in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,740 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

What Do Cosmetologists Study in School?

Given the vast number of cosmetology programs across the country, there is no universal standard for course work. However, there are a set of common courses that programs offer from state to state and in many cases from city to city depending on the region.

As a way of helping prospective students understand what to expect during their time in school, we have assembled common cosmetology school classes. Students may be exposed to a wide range of classes at an accredited cosmetology school including:

  • Operational and business practices
  • Theory of cosmetology
  • The basics of shampooing & conditioning
  • Manicures
  • Pedicures
  • Essential principles of esthetics
  • Draping & brushing
  • Scalp manipulation techniques
  • Hair and scalp analysis
  • Hair cutting and trimming
  • Proper use of razors, scissors, razors, clippers, & shears
  • Thermal styling
  • Braiding natural hair and artificial hair
  • Chemical relaxing techniques
  • Hair coloring, tinting, and bleaching
  • Proper cleaning and disinfecting of equipment
  • First aid and CPR

Students in a cosmetology school focused on hair-styling will learn both basic and advanced hair techniques. As with many specializations in the beauty industry, an accredited program with a structured curriculum and knowledgeable teachers is a must. Understanding the latest styles, coloring, and trends will help round out a solid customer service focus. Further, it is important for all students to learn hair treatments and styling for both women and men.

Cosmetology degrees will frequently include courses in nail technology. Classes may include silk nails, acrylic nails, gel nails, and current trends in nail technology. Learning how to become a nail technician can be formally achieved through a cosmetology degree program or a stand-alone program. In either case, students will learn the finer points of manicures and pedicures of real nails, artificial nails, and decorative nails.

Why Cosmetologists Study a Variety of Techniques

Learning a variety of techniques will help cosmetologists serve an array of customer requests. As students gain knowledge and exposure to a variety of techniques within the cosmetology and beauty industry, they will then be provided with a number of hands-on learning opportunities. By blending academic knowledge with active learning, students will begin to understand and index each technique for later use.

Having the ability to understand theory and access to a wide range of clients is a winning recipe for future cosmetologists prior to real-world application. Quality programs provide substantive guidance, shadowing, training, and opportunities to learn during their time at school.

What Do You Learn in Cosmetology School?

Cosmetology programs teach students how to cut, trim and style hair. They will help students understand how to properly apply cosmetics and essential duties of nail technicians. What most students do not understand is that most accredited cosmetology programs provide another layer of education. Cosmetology schools and esthetician schools may provide students with general education courses required for passing a state licensure exam. Programs will emphasize the importance of customer service, safety, and business management.

Degrees in cosmetology are offered as bachelor's degrees up to a master's degree. However, the most popular degree in cosmetology is the associate degree followed by a certificate program and a diploma. An associate degree will most often be sufficient to start your career in cosmetology in terms of education, experience, and skill requirements. Online programs are available for licensing exam preparation, but those pursuing an associate degree or higher will most likely be required to attend a physical institution.

What are the Top Traits of a Cosmetologist?

A national survey of cosmetology professionals by the U.S. Department of Labor reveals a set of 4 common traits shared by an overwhelming number of cosmetologists. These traits or characteristics include being artistic, social, enterprising, and realistic.

Artistic: Cosmetologists are very artistic in nature as they are challenged daily to create without a step-by-step guide. The survey also found cosmetology professionals to possess a great deal of motivation towards self-expression while at work.

Social: The very nature of working with people lends itself to a vibrant social proclivity. In the cosmetology field, professionals work very close with customers physically and quickly develop relationships that may last for decades.

Enterprising: The survey also revealed a higher level of risk-taking for cosmetologists as they venture out with others or on their own upon completion of their college programs.

Realistic: Professional cosmetologists also were found to be rooted in reality and practical in nature. This affability and demeanor often tie directly into the social component of working well with customers and co-workers.

Top Cosmetology Degrees

The three most popular programs offered by a cosmetology school include an associate degree, certificate program, and a diploma track. Each program has a set of differing requirements, curriculum, and clock hours or credit hours. Before you begin your cosmetology program, take the time to align your priorities and schedule with the best cosmetology program for you. An overview of each type of program is listed below:

Cosmetology Diploma

Diploma tracks provide students with a series of classroom based training and hands-on learning opportunities needed to successfully take and pass a state-administered licensing exam. A diploma program from an accredited college or beauty school will likely result in an entry-level position at a day spa or salon.

Certificate in Cosmetology

A certificate in cosmetology blends theory and active learning to help provide a good set of working tools in the field. Students will learn about cosmetology techniques and disciplines within the trade that may include facials, pedicures, hair cutting, styling, and coloring.

It is common for students to complete a percentage of the core academic program prior to utilizing these newly acquired techniques elsewhere. Certificate programs range in the length of the program and credit hours depending on the school and state of residence but students can expect to complete around 1,500 hours during the program.

Cosmetology Associate Degree

Much like the certificate and diploma programs, an associate degree in cosmetology will provide the essential skills needed to pass states licensing examination. In addition to the core curriculum found in a certificate and diploma program, the associate degree track includes a number of general education courses such as global studies health and philosophy. You may find program cosmetology esthetics courses integrate business principles and real-world case studies to help make the material fresh. The general education courses help students cogently think about problems in a new light and help provide a more well-rounded graduate.

Cosmetology Schools Near You

We receive emails with great frequency from prospective students asking how do I find cosmetology schools near me? To find the top cosmetology schools near you or the best cosmetology programs for you simply trust MatchCollege. Whether you are looking for a great match with a community college, technical college, trade school, or beauty school we can help. In fact, we have assembled data on hundreds of accredited cosmetology programs to help you find your perfect match.

We have made the process increasingly simple through a couple easy-to-use pieces of technology. First, you can simply complete the information box on the page and get matched to a cosmetology program given your criteria provided. The next option is to simply sort by state below for traditional classroom programs or here to find cosmetology programs near you offering online programs.

The final way to find schools close by is to utilize our proprietary matching tool to get a precise list of programs of your choice by winnowing down school type, location, degree level, and state. By using any of the three tools available, you will have the tools at your disposal to obtain quality information from schools that you are interested in learning more about.

How Much Do Cosmetology Schools Cost?

The cost of attending cosmetology colleges will vary from location to location. Variables that drive cost include the required courses in your state, hours required by the state board of cosmetology, size of the institution, geographic location, and resources offered by the school.

Overall costs include tuition, fees, books, supplies, cosmetology kits, and transportation costs for traditional campus-based programs. Take the time to collect information from accredited beauty schools via our expansive portal. Next, you will want to schedule a time to discuss any questions with the school's admissions team.

In a recent survey, we analyzed 1,173 accredited cosmetology schools across the country. What we discovered was the median cost of tuition at a cosmetology school was $13,715. The states with the highest tuition Nevada, Hawaii, and Iowa with an average tuition of $17,782. On the other hand, the states with the lowest tuition were Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Montana averaging $10,293 between these states. The state with the most accredited cosmetology schools is California with 111, followed by Texas at 86 and Illinois with 69 schools.

Cosmetology License & Training

A career in cosmetology will have graduates of cosmetology programs work under professionals for the first few years of their career. This is primarily due to the practical experience gained rather than any particular requirement.  Cosmetology requires individuals to have good communication skills and high coordination.  The ability to develop a rapport with a customer and to make them feel at ease while they are being treated will assist in developing a strong, trusting client base.  The cornerstone of a career in cosmetology is one's clientele, without whom any kind of long term business will be impossible.

All states require licensing to work as a cosmetologist.  A written exam will be administered based on a given state's unique requirements.  Some states also require an oral exam and/or a practical exam in addition to a written examination.  The requirements will vary from state to state and it is prudent for students to review their state's requirements prior to entering a cosmetology program.  This extra step will help to ensure your training will provide everything needed to assist you in earning licensure after graduation.

Cosmetology Continuing Education

Cosmetology is a constantly evolving field.  As such, cosmetology professionals should consider returning to school to take continuing education programs every few years. By doing so, a cosmetologist will learn new techniques, more efficient styling methods, and gain insights into burgeoning trends in the industry.  Improving one's skill set is very important in maintaining clientele as well as growing one's customer base. The constant research of trends and attempts at new ideas will also assist in keeping one's business fresh and increase the odds of generating new traffic to the business.

Cosmetology Careers and Specializations

Cosmetology is a growing field and is projected to grow at a rate of 13% through 2024 due to a high demand for personal skin and hair care.  Additionally, projected job openings during that same time frame are at 212,100 according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).  Such care has seen a rise in demand due to widespread information regarding skin and hair damage due to various factors environmental and human influence.

Proper hygiene includes skin and hair care, which directly ties into maintaining your personal appearance and personal confidence.  Understanding this interplay is particularly important for individuals interested in becoming cosmetologists.  Helping others look and feel their best is both a skill and an art which increases the demand for trained professionals.

Cosmetologists have various career paths to choose from that may include one or more of the following career tracks:

  • Hairstylist
  • Manicurist & Pedicurist
  • Esthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Cosmetologist
  • Product Sales Representative
  • Beauty Magazine Writer
  • Salon Manager
States Employing the Most Cosmetology Professionals
  • California            27,180
  • New York            26,410
  • Florida                 24,620
  • Pennsylvania      23,680
  • Texas                    22,690
Cosmetologist Salary by State
  1. District of Columbia   $45,680
  2. Washington                  $40,680
  3. New Jersey                   $37,660
  4. Massachusetts             $37,410
  5. Virginia                         $37,070

AACS Niche Resources for Cosmetology Students

For those interested in a career as a cosmetologist, you may also want to consider a career as a barber, esthetician, nail technician, or salon manager. For additional information, check out the Essential Guide to a Cosmetology Career on our blog.

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