2026 Best Value Cosmetology Schools
Looking for the best-value Cosmetology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1613 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Cosmetology Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Clover Park Technical College this year in the United States. Based in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,634 in tuition and fees. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,000. Clover Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,787 a decade after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Clover Park Technical College report
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Cosmetology ranking in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $14,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,399. That is a strong return on a $14,250 median debt. Read more about Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Cosmetology ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,395. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,395 median debt. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
A rank of #4 makes Johnson County Community College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Overland Park, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Graduates carry a median of $5,424 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,387. That is a strong return on a $5,424 median debt. Read more about Johnson County Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Waukesha County Technical College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Waukesha County Technical College is a public school based in Pewaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Waukesha County Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $9,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,894. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Lee College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,941. Median earnings reach $42,178 ten years out. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lee College
Madison Area Technical College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Students borrow a median of $8,875 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Wharton County Junior College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,192, with out-of-state students paying around $5,904. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Wharton County Junior College alumni report median earnings of $44,960 a decade after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wharton County Junior College
Clarendon College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Clarendon, TX, Clarendon College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,720 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,400. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,518. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $11,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Clarendon College
Athens Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Athens Technical College is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. Athens Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $8,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,951. That is a strong return on a $8,000 median debt. Get the full Athens Technical College report
Gwinnett Technical College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,524 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. The median Cosmetology program debt is $16,349. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,025. Set against $16,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Gwinnett Technical College
Mid State Technical College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,002, compared with $7,171 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,081 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,253 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,081 median debt. Read the full report on Mid State Technical College
Ridgewater College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Willmar, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,827. That is a strong return on a $9,750 median debt. More on Ridgewater College
South Plains College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. South Plains College Cosmetology students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,276 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Plains College report
Lake Area Technical Institute came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Lake Area Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $45,473 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. See the full Lake Area Technical Institute profile
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. Graduates carry a median of $8,492 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College report
Arkansas State University Newport ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $7,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,524. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Newport
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $43,406 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College report
Kansas City Kansas Community College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kansas City, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,996, with out-of-state students paying around $6,482. Students borrow a median of $8,235 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $40,795 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kansas City Kansas Community College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,480, with out-of-state students paying around $6,048. Students borrow a median of $10,864 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,864 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt. See the full Wiregrass Georgia Technical College profile
San Jacinto Community College placed #21 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $8,791 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
West Georgia Technical College placed #22 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Students borrow a median of $8,500 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $35,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full West Georgia Technical College report
Howard College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Big Spring, TX, Howard College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,766, while out-of-state students pay about $6,716. Students borrow a median of $14,242 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,382 ten years after entry. Set against $14,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Howard College
Houston Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,040, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Houston Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $23,061 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,254 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Houston Community College profile
Gateway Technical College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. Graduates carry a median of $7,958 in student loans. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,958 median debt. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Cosmetology Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,448, while out-of-state students pay about $6,016. The median Cosmetology program debt is $7,217. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,848. That is a strong return on a $7,217 median debt. More on Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Oconee Fall Line Technical College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $5,948. Graduates carry a median of $12,718 in student loans. Median earnings reach $30,899 ten years out. Set against $12,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Pickens Technical College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Aurora, CO, Pickens Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,140, while out-of-state students pay about $9,250. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Pickens Technical College alumni report median earnings of $39,210 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Pickens Technical College report
Savannah Technical College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,330 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Savannah Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $19,989 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,018 ten years out. Set against $19,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Savannah Technical College profile
Central New Mexico Community College placed #30 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $10,112. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,869. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central New Mexico Community College
College Of The Mainland ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. The median Cosmetology program debt is $5,711. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,639. That is a strong return on a $5,711 median debt. Read the full report on College Of The Mainland
Ogeechee Technical College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Ogeechee Technical College is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,388 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Ogeechee Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $11,894 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,248 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. Get the full Ogeechee Technical College report
Del Mar College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Corpus Christi, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,500, compared with $6,050 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $7,476. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,656 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,476 median debt. Read the full report on Del Mar College
Lone Star College System placed #35 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lone Star College System
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #36 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Southern Crescent Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,104. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southern Crescent Technical College
Frank Phillips College placed #37 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Frank Phillips College is a public school based in Borger, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,712, compared with $4,882 for out-of-state students. Frank Phillips College alumni report median earnings of $37,179 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Frank Phillips College
Augusta Technical College placed #38 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. Graduates carry a median of $11,400 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,523. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Georgia Piedmont Technical College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,404, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. Graduates carry a median of $15,716 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,619. That is a strong return on a $15,716 median debt. Get the full Georgia Piedmont Technical College report
Vernon College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Vernon, TX, Vernon College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Vernon College Cosmetology students take on a median of $12,513 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,464. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Vernon College report
Louisiana Delta Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,159. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $14,024. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,438. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Louisiana Delta Community College
Meridian Community College placed #42 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Meridian, MS, Meridian Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,078, with out-of-state students paying around $6,478. Graduates carry a median of $10,368 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,002 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Meridian Community College profile
Fox Valley Technical College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $13,319 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Lanier Technical College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Lanier Technical College is a public school based in Gainesville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,980, with out-of-state students paying around $7,190. Students borrow a median of $12,278 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $37,623 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,278 median debt. Read more about Lanier Technical College
Cerritos College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Students borrow a median of $11,306 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,156 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,306 median debt. Read the full report on Cerritos College
Grayson College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, with out-of-state students paying around $6,300. Students borrow a median of $11,627 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $40,873 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,627 median debt. Read more about Grayson College
Northwest Mississippi Community College placed #47 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Senatobia, MS, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,740. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,396. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northwest Mississippi Community College
North Shore Community College placed #48 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,352, with out-of-state students paying around $10,920. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $14,145. Median earnings reach $45,391 ten years out. Set against $14,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on North Shore Community College
Columbus Technical College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,052, compared with $7,262 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,845 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,238. Set against $15,845 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbus Technical College
Central Piedmont Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,792 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,865. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Piedmont Community College
Atlanta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,382, with out-of-state students paying around $5,950. Graduates carry a median of $16,324 in student loans. Atlanta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,350 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,324 median debt. More on Atlanta Technical College
Best Value Cosmetology Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Cosmetology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Cosmetology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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