2026 Best Value Cosmetology Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Cosmetology certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1613 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College to be the best-value Cosmetology school in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,326. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College report
A rank of #2 makes Chippewa Valley Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,395 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. Set against $9,395 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Lee College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Cosmetology ranking in the United States. Lee College is a public school based in Baytown, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,520 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Students borrow a median of $10,941 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,178. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt. See the full Lee College profile
A rank of #4 makes Athens Technical College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, compared with $5,958 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $8,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Athens Technical College
A rank of #5 makes Georgia Northwestern Technical College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Rome, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,759. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Waukesha County Technical College is a public school based in Pewaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,750. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Waukesha County Technical College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College placed #7 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. The median Cosmetology program debt is $10,864. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,864 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt. More on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Ridgewater College placed #8 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Ridgewater College is a public school based in Willmar, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. Students borrow a median of $9,750 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ridgewater College alumni report median earnings of $43,827 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,750 median debt. Read more about Ridgewater College
Kansas City Kansas Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public school based in Kansas City, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,996, compared with $6,482 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $8,235. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,795. That is a strong return on a $8,235 median debt. Read the full report on Kansas City Kansas Community College
West Georgia Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Based in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,410, while out-of-state students pay about $5,978. Graduates carry a median of $8,500 in student loans. West Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,479 a decade after entry. Set against $8,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on West Georgia Technical College
Oconee Fall Line Technical College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public school based in Sandersville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $5,948. The median Cosmetology program debt is $12,718. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,899. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. The median Cosmetology program debt is $7,958. Median earnings reach $40,264 ten years out. Set against $7,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Gateway Technical College
Mid State Technical College placed #13 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Mid State Technical College is a public school based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,002, with out-of-state students paying around $7,171. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $6,081. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,253. Set against $6,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mid State Technical College report
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Warner Robins, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,448, with out-of-state students paying around $6,016. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $7,217. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,848. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Savannah Technical College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. More on Savannah Technical College
Houston Community College placed #16 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Students borrow a median of $23,061 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $39,254 ten years out. Set against $23,061 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Houston Community College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,926, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $43,406 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. See the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College profile
Ogeechee Technical College came in at #18 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, with out-of-state students paying around $5,956. Graduates carry a median of $11,894 in student loans. 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. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Del Mar College placed #19 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,500 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,050 for out-of-state students. Del Mar College Cosmetology students take on a median of $7,476 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,656. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Del Mar College report
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #20 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Griffin, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $17,619. Southern Crescent Technical College alumni report median earnings of $36,104 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southern Crescent Technical College
Howard College placed #21 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Big Spring, TX, Howard College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,766, compared with $6,716 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $14,242. Median earnings reach $38,382 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,242 median debt. Read the full report on Howard College
Pickens Technical College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Pickens Technical College is a public school based in Aurora, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,140, while out-of-state students pay about $9,250. Pickens Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Pickens Technical College alumni report median earnings of $39,210 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Read more about Pickens Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,404, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. Students borrow a median of $15,716 to complete their Cosmetology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,619. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Georgia Piedmont Technical College profile
Augusta Technical College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Augusta Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $11,400 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,523 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Frank Phillips College placed #25 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Frank Phillips College is a public school based in Borger, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,712, with out-of-state students paying around $4,882. Frank Phillips College alumni report median earnings of $37,179 a decade after entry. Read more about Frank Phillips College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Cosmetology Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
College Of The Mainland offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Texas City, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. Students borrow a median of $5,711 to complete their Cosmetology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,639. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on College Of The Mainland
Lanier Technical College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,980, with out-of-state students paying around $7,190. Graduates carry a median of $12,278 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,623. Set against $12,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lanier Technical College
South Plains College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,157. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $11,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Plains College profile
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Fox Valley Technical College
Lone Star College System ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lone Star College System
Cerritos College placed #31 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norwalk, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,306. Cerritos College alumni report median earnings of $41,156 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cerritos College
Columbus Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Columbus, GA, Columbus Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,052 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,262 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $15,845. Columbus Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,238 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,845 median debt. Get the full Columbus Technical College report
Grayson College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Denison, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,000 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,627. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Grayson College report
Atlanta Technical College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Read more about Atlanta Technical College
San Jacinto Community College placed #35 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $8,791. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,062 ten years after entry. Set against $8,791 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full San Jacinto Community College report
Lurleen B Wallace Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Andalusia, AL, Lurleen B Wallace Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,190, with out-of-state students paying around $9,060. Lurleen B Wallace Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $7,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $32,307 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Central Carolina Community College placed #37 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Sanford, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,711 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,855. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,167. Median earnings reach $33,525 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,167 median debt. Read more about Central Carolina Community College
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #38 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,113. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Milwaukee Area Technical College
North Georgia Technical College placed #39 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. North Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Clarkesville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $12,279. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,932. That is a strong return on a $12,279 median debt. More on North Georgia Technical College
Wake Technical Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $7,693. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,769 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,693 median debt. Read more about Wake Technical Community College
Kilgore College placed #41 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Kilgore, TX, Kilgore College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,160, while out-of-state students pay about $5,256. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,975 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Read more about Kilgore College
Central New Mexico Community College placed #42 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. 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
Palm Beach State College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Lake Worth, FL, Palm Beach State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,050 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,910. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,500. Median earnings reach $41,923 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Read more about Palm Beach State College
Laurel Business Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Uniontown, PA, Laurel Business Institute is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,713 in tuition and fees. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,000. Laurel Business Institute alumni report median earnings of $30,819 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on Laurel Business Institute
Southeastern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Vidalia, GA, Southeastern Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,400, compared with $5,968 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,290 to complete their Cosmetology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,329. Set against $10,290 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southeastern Technical College
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Asheville, NC, Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,882 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,026. Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $18,883 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,048 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,883 median debt. Get the full Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College report
Penn Commercial Business Technical School ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set in Washington, PA, Penn Commercial Business Technical School is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,654 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,318 to complete their Cosmetology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Penn Commercial Business Technical School has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on Penn Commercial Business Technical School
Weatherford College placed #48 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Weatherford College is a public school based in Weatherford, TX. Students from in state pay about $5,250 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,860 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,099 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,397 ten years out. Set against $14,099 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Weatherford College report
Citrus College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Citrus College is a public school based in Glendora, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,204, while out-of-state students pay about $10,636. Median earnings reach $42,065 ten years out. Read more about Citrus College
Pensacola State College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pensacola, FL, Pensacola State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,361, while out-of-state students pay about $9,463. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,739. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. See the full Pensacola State College profile
Related Cosmetology Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Cosmetology Schools (All Levels)
- 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. Schools are scored on 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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