2026 Best Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Cosmetology undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1613 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 produce 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Chippewa Valley Technical College to be the best-value Cosmetology school in the United States. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Cosmetology ranking in the United States. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,803 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,750 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
You'll get strong value at Madison Area Technical College, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $8,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,875 median debt. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Johnson County Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Cosmetology ranking in the United States. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Johnson County Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $5,424 in debt. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
Out of the 1613 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #5 spot. Located 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. The median Cosmetology program debt is $14,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. Set against $14,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College report
Wharton County Junior College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Set in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,192, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. Wharton County Junior College Cosmetology students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Wharton County Junior College alumni report median earnings of $44,960 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Wharton County Junior College
Clarendon College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Clarendon College is a public school based in Clarendon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,720, while out-of-state students pay about $5,400. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,518. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,696 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,518 median debt. Read more about Clarendon College
Mid State Technical College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Mid State Technical College is a public school based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $5,002, with out-of-state students paying around $7,171. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $6,081. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,253. Set against $6,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mid State Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $16,349. Median earnings reach $45,025 ten years out. Set against $16,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Gwinnett Technical College
South Plains College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,733, while out-of-state students pay about $5,157. The median Cosmetology program 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. Get the full South Plains College report
Lake Area Technical Institute placed #11 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Watertown, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Athens Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Athens Technical College is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, compared with $5,958 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $8,000. Median earnings reach $35,951 ten years out. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Athens Technical College profile
Ridgewater College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. The median Cosmetology program debt is $9,750. Median earnings reach $43,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ridgewater College
Kansas City Kansas Community College placed #14 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kansas City, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,996, with out-of-state students paying around $6,482. Students borrow a median of $8,235 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,795 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,235 median debt. Read more about Kansas City Kansas Community College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public school based in Rice Lake, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,926, compared with $7,169 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Cosmetology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,406. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Arkansas State University Newport ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,312, compared with $4,752 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,524. Set against $7,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Newport
San Jacinto Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,791 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,062. That is a strong return on a $8,791 median debt. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $10,864. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,864. Set against $10,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Howard College placed #18 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set 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. The median Cosmetology program debt is $14,242. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,382. Set against $14,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Howard College report
West Georgia Technical College placed #20 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Waco, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $8,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on West Georgia Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,759 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. More on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. Graduates carry a median of $7,958 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,264 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Houston Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,040, with out-of-state students paying around $5,460. The median Cosmetology program debt is $23,061. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,254. Set against $23,061 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Houston Community College
Pickens Technical College placed #24 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Set in Aurora, CO, Pickens Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,140, compared with $9,250 for out-of-state students. Pickens Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,210. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pickens Technical College
College Of The Mainland placed #25 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Texas City, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,310, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $5,711. College Of The Mainland alumni report median earnings of $39,639 a decade after entry. Set against $5,711 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about College Of The Mainland
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Lone Star College System offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Lone Star College System is a public school based in The Woodlands, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. The median Cosmetology program debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Lone Star College System
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. This public school is set in Warner Robins, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,448 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,016. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $7,217. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins alumni report median earnings of $30,848 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Ogeechee Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Ogeechee Technical College is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,388, with out-of-state students paying around $5,956. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $11,894. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,248 ten years after entry. Set against $11,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public school based in Sandersville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,380, compared with $5,948 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $12,718. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,899. That is a strong return on a $12,718 median debt. Read the full report on Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Augusta Technical College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,282 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,400 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Augusta Technical College
Vernon College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Vernon College is a public school based in Vernon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,720, while out-of-state students pay about $6,120. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $12,513. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,464. That is a strong return on a $12,513 median debt. See the full Vernon College profile
Louisiana Delta Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,159. Students borrow a median of $14,024 to complete their Cosmetology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,438. Set against $14,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Louisiana Delta Community College
Grayson College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. This public school is set in Denison, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,000 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,300. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,627. Median earnings reach $40,873 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,627 median debt. See the full Grayson College profile
Meridian Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Meridian, MS, Meridian Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,078, compared with $6,478 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,368 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Median earnings reach $31,002 ten years out. Set against $10,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Meridian Community College report
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Fox Valley Technical College
Savannah Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. The median Cosmetology program debt is $19,989. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,018. Set against $19,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Savannah Technical College profile
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #37 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. The median Cosmetology program debt is $17,619. Median earnings reach $36,104 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southern Crescent Technical College
Kilgore College placed #38 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Located in Kilgore, TX, Kilgore College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,160, compared with $5,256 for out-of-state students. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,975 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kilgore College
Northwest Mississippi Community College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Senatobia, MS, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,740. Northwest Mississippi Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,396 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northwest Mississippi Community College profile
North Shore Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. North Shore Community College is a public school based in Danvers, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,352, while out-of-state students pay about $10,920. Graduates carry a median of $14,145 in student loans. North Shore Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,391 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,145 median debt. More on North Shore Community College
Milwaukee Area Technical College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. Typical Cosmetology student debt is $10,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,113. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Milwaukee Area Technical College profile
Lanier Technical College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Cosmetology schools. Located in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,980, compared with $7,190 for out-of-state students. Lanier Technical College Cosmetology students take on a median of $12,278 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,623 ten years out. Set against $12,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lanier Technical College
Cerritos College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Cerritos College is a public school based in Norwalk, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,364, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. The median Cosmetology program debt is $11,306. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cerritos College
East Central Community College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. East Central Community College is a public school based in Decatur, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,990, compared with $6,090 for out-of-state students. East Central Community College Cosmetology students take on a median of $6,382 in debt. East Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,421 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on East Central Community College
Lurleen B Wallace Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Andalusia, AL, Lurleen B Wallace Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,190 in tuition and fees, 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,307. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. More on Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Atlanta Technical College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. The median Cosmetology program debt is $16,324. Median earnings reach $30,350 ten years out. Set against $16,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Atlanta Technical College report
Delgado Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,279. The median Cosmetology program debt is $15,000. Delgado Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,305 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Delgado Community College report
Columbus Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,052, with out-of-state students paying around $7,262. The median Cosmetology program debt is $15,845. Columbus Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,238 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Columbus Technical College profile
Century College San Juan offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in San Juan, PR, Century College San Juan is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,100. Graduates carry a median of $3,394 in student loans. Century College San Juan alumni report median earnings of $19,462 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $3,394 median debt. Get the full Century College San Juan report
Weatherford College placed #50 among the best-value Cosmetology schools in the United States. Based in Weatherford, TX, Weatherford College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,250, compared with $10,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,099 to complete their Cosmetology program here. Weatherford College alumni report median earnings of $42,397 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Weatherford College report
Related Cosmetology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Cosmetology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Cosmetology 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.