2026 Best Cosmetology Schools
Looking for the best Cosmetology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1613 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Cosmetology Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Medspa Academies earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Set in South Jordan, UT, Medspa Academies is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $12,394. Read the full report on Medspa Academies
A rank of #2 makes University Of Aesthetics And Cosmetology one of the top choices in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Aesthetics And Cosmetology is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,667. Read more about University Of Aesthetics And Cosmetology
Out of the 1613 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Lia Schorr Institute Of Cosmetic Skin Care Training landed the #3 spot. This private for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $6,333. See the full Lia Schorr Institute Of Cosmetic Skin Care Training profile
San Francisco Institute Of Esthetics And Cosmetology Inc came in at #4 on this year's Cosmetology ranking in the United States. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco Institute Of Esthetics And Cosmetology Inc is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $10,556 to complete their Cosmetology program here. More on San Francisco Institute Of Esthetics And Cosmetology Inc
The strong Cosmetology programs at Institute Of Advanced Medical Esthetics earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Ashland, VA, Institute Of Advanced Medical Esthetics is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $6,944. Get the full Institute Of Advanced Medical Esthetics report
Gary Manuel Aveda Institute landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, Gary Manuel Aveda Institute is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $10,111 to complete their Cosmetology program here. More on Gary Manuel Aveda Institute
New York Institute Of Beauty came in at #7 in this year's ranking. New York Institute Of Beauty is a private for-profit school based in Islandia, NY. Graduates carry a median of $6,062 in student loans. Read the full report on New York Institute Of Beauty
W Academy Of Salon And Spa came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Set in Danville, CA, W Academy Of Salon And Spa is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $6,211 in student loans. Get the full W Academy Of Salon And Spa report
Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett did well this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Everett, WA, Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $9,164. Read more about Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett
Hastings Beauty School landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. Based in Hastings, MN, Hastings Beauty School is a private for-profit institution. More on Hastings Beauty School
Dermal Science International Aesthetics And Nail Academy did well this year, earning the #12 position. This private for-profit school is set in Reston, VA. Students borrow a median of $8,517 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Get the full Dermal Science International Aesthetics And Nail Academy report
The Hair Academy placed #13 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Bismarck, ND, The Hair Academy is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,809. More on The Hair Academy
Catherine Hinds Institute Of Esthetics did well this year, earning the #14 position. Catherine Hinds Institute Of Esthetics is a private for-profit school based in Woburn, MA. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $7,667. More on Catherine Hinds Institute Of Esthetics
The Institute Of Beauty And Wellness landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The Institute Of Beauty And Wellness Cosmetology students take on a median of $10,555 in debt. See the full The Institute Of Beauty And Wellness profile
Obriens Aveda Institute placed #17 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Williston, VT. Graduates carry a median of $9,832 in student loans. Get the full Obriens Aveda Institute report
Academy For Salon Professionals Northridge ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. This private for-profit school is set in Northridge, CA. Graduates carry a median of $6,333 in student loans. More on Academy For Salon Professionals Northridge
Atelier Esthetique Institute Of Esthetics landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Atelier Esthetique Institute Of Esthetics is a private for-profit school based in New York, NY. Atelier Esthetique Institute Of Esthetics Cosmetology students take on a median of $6,333 in debt. Read more about Atelier Esthetique Institute Of Esthetics
New York School Of Esthetics And Day Spa came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Located in white plains, NY, New York School Of Esthetics And Day Spa is a private for-profit institution. New York School Of Esthetics And Day Spa Cosmetology students take on a median of $6,625 in debt. More on New York School Of Esthetics And Day Spa
The Salon Professional Academy Fargo landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Located in Fargo, ND, The Salon Professional Academy Fargo is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. More on The Salon Professional Academy Fargo
Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Shoreline ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Based in Shoreline, WA, Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Shoreline is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $12,344 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Read the full report on Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Shoreline
Capitol School Of Hairstyling And Esthetics came in at #23 in this year's ranking. Set in Omaha, NE, Capitol School Of Hairstyling And Esthetics is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $9,166 in student loans. See the full Capitol School Of Hairstyling And Esthetics profile
Aveda Institute Denver placed #24 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,000. More on Aveda Institute Denver
Universal Spa Training Academy did well this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Downers Grove, IL, Universal Spa Training Academy is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $7,917. Read the full report on Universal Spa Training Academy
Spa Tech Institute Westboro ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. This private for-profit school is set in Westborough, MA. Students borrow a median of $7,117 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Read the full report on Spa Tech Institute Westboro
Aesthetic Science Institute came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Set in Latham, NY, Aesthetic Science Institute is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $6,333. Read the full report on Aesthetic Science Institute
Rest of the Top 50 Best Cosmetology Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Minnesota School Of Cosmetology Woodbury Campus ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Minnesota School Of Cosmetology Woodbury Campus is a private for-profit school based in WOODBURY, MN. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,194. Get the full Minnesota School Of Cosmetology Woodbury Campus report
Aveda Fredrics Institute Indianapolis placed #29 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Carmel, IN. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,833. Get the full Aveda Fredrics Institute Indianapolis report
Aveda Institute Madison came in at #30 in this year's ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Madison, WI. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $10,555. Get the full Aveda Institute Madison report
The Temple Annapolis A Paul Mitchell Partner School did well this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Annapolis, MD, The Temple Annapolis A Paul Mitchell Partner School is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,583. More on The Temple Annapolis A Paul Mitchell Partner School
The Temple A Paul Mitchell Partner School did well this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Frederick, MD, The Temple A Paul Mitchell Partner School is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,583. Read the full report on The Temple A Paul Mitchell Partner School
Spa Tech Institute Plymouth did well this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Plymouth, MA, Spa Tech Institute Plymouth is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $7,117 in student loans. See the full Spa Tech Institute Plymouth profile
Avenue Five Institute came in at #34 in this year's ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Austin, TX. Avenue Five Institute Cosmetology students take on a median of $7,917 in debt. More on Avenue Five Institute
Paul Mitchell The School St Louis ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Paul Mitchell The School St Louis is a private for-profit school based in St. Louis, MO. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $9,833. Read more about Paul Mitchell The School St Louis
Image Maker Beauty Institute did well this year, earning the #36 position. This private for-profit school is set in Hendersonville, TN. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,580. Read more about Image Maker Beauty Institute
Avenue Five Institute South Austin Campus did well this year, earning the #37 position. Avenue Five Institute South Austin Campus is a private for-profit school based in Austin, TX. The median Cosmetology program debt is $7,917. Get the full Avenue Five Institute South Austin Campus report
The Salon Professional Academy Onalaska came in at #38 in this year's ranking. The Salon Professional Academy Onalaska is a private for-profit school based in Onalaska, WI. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Read more about The Salon Professional Academy Onalaska
Arrojo Cosmetology School placed #39 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Students borrow a median of $10,666 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Read more about Arrojo Cosmetology School
Aveda Institute Des Moines placed #40 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in West Des Moines, IA, Aveda Institute Des Moines is a private for-profit institution. Aveda Institute Des Moines Cosmetology students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Get the full Aveda Institute Des Moines report
Aveda Institute Minneapolis came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Aveda Institute Minneapolis is a private for-profit institution. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $9,941. Read more about Aveda Institute Minneapolis
Pci Academy Plymouth ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Located in Plymouth, MN, Pci Academy Plymouth is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,570. Read the full report on Pci Academy Plymouth
Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Worcester did well this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Worcester, MA, Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Worcester is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,667. See the full Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Worcester profile
The University Of Aesthetics And Cosmetology came in at #44 in this year's ranking. Based in Downers Grove, IL, The University Of Aesthetics And Cosmetology is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $7,917 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Read the full report on The University Of Aesthetics And Cosmetology
International College Of Cosmetology came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Set in Oakland, CA, International College Of Cosmetology is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $8,664 in student loans. Read more about International College Of Cosmetology
Avi Career Training came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Located in Great Falls, VA, Avi Career Training is a private for-profit institution. The median Cosmetology program debt is $6,333. Get the full Avi Career Training report
Acaydia School Of Aesthetics landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Acaydia School Of Aesthetics is a private for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $7,668. More on Acaydia School Of Aesthetics
Nova Academy Of Cosmetology did well this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Rochester, MN, Nova Academy Of Cosmetology is a private for-profit institution. Nova Academy Of Cosmetology Cosmetology students take on a median of $9,999 in debt. See the full Nova Academy Of Cosmetology profile
Paul Mitchell The School Sacramento ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Cosmetology schools. Paul Mitchell The School Sacramento is a private for-profit school based in Sacramento, CA. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $10,526. Get the full Paul Mitchell The School Sacramento report
Penrose Academy placed #50 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $8,043. More on Penrose Academy
Spa Tech Institute Westbrook did well this year, earning the #51 position. Based in Westbrook, ME, Spa Tech Institute Westbrook is a private for-profit institution. Spa Tech Institute Westbrook Cosmetology students take on a median of $7,117 in debt. Get the full Spa Tech Institute Westbrook report
Studio Academy Of Beauty placed #52 among Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Chandler, AZ, Studio Academy Of Beauty is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $6,333 in student loans. More on Studio Academy Of Beauty
Best Cosmetology Schools by Degree Level
Compare rankings by degree level:
- Best Cosmetology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Cosmetology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1613 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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