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Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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2023 Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region

224 Colleges
$17,014 Avg Salary
$10,880 Avg Student Debt

Finding the Best Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate School for You

Out of all the majors we analyze each year, cosmetology was ranked #229 in the country. In fact 107,895 degrees and certificates were handed out in 2020-2021.

There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 224 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which ones were the most popular undergraduate certificate programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from the Cosmetology program at each school on the list.

Check out the cosmetology undergraduate certificate programs at these schools if you want to attend one of the most popular in the Great Lakes Region .

#1

Douglas J Aveda Institute

East Lansing, MI

Our 2023 rankings named Douglas J Aveda Institute the most popular school in the Great Lakes Region for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Douglas J Aveda Institute is a small private for-profit school located in the city of East Lansing.

Of the 316 students majoring in cosmetology at Douglas J Aveda Institute, 6% are male and 94% are female.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Douglas J Aveda Institute take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $13,501. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $107, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Douglas J Aveda Institute

The in-demand undergraduate certificate programs at Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Cincinnati helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular cosmetology schools in the Great Lakes Region . Located in the suburb of West Chester, Aveda Fredric's Institute - Cincinnati is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

Of the 139 students majoring in cosmetology at Aveda Fredric's Institute - Cincinnati, 5% are male and 95% are female.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Aveda Fredric's Institute - Cincinnati carry an average student debt load of $12,200. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $117.

Full Cosmetology at Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Cincinnati Report

Out of the 224 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Ohio State College of Barber Styling landed the # 3 spot on the list. Ohio State College of Barber Styling is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Columbus.

About 15% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 85% are male.

Read More…

The in-demand undergraduate certificate programs at Paul Mitchell the School Cincinnati helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular cosmetology schools in the Great Lakes Region . Paul Mitchell the School Cincinnati is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Cincinnati.

About 98% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 2% are male.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School Cincinnati carry an average student debt load of $18,585. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $93.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Cincinnati

The in-demand undergraduate certificate programs at Paul Mitchell the School Cleveland helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular cosmetology schools in the Great Lakes Region . Paul Mitchell the School Cleveland is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Twinsburg.

Of the 109 students majoring in cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Cleveland, 6% are male and 94% are female.

Cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Cleveland take out an average of $15,022 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $109.

Full Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Cleveland Report

Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Indianapolis landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Aveda Fredric's Institute - Indianapolis is a small private for-profit school located in the small city of Indianapolis.

Of the 107 students majoring in cosmetology at Aveda Fredric's Institute - Indianapolis, 5% are male and 95% are female.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Aveda Fredric's Institute - Indianapolis take out $13,632 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $111, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Indianapolis Report

With a ranking of #7, Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, North Dayton did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, North Dayton is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Dayton.

Women make up 99% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, North Dayton take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $15,271. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $73.

Full Cosmetology at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, North Dayton Report

Paul Mitchell the School Columbus ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Paul Mitchell the School Columbus is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of Columbus.

Women make up 97% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

Cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Columbus take out an average of $15,549 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $97.

Full Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Columbus Report

#9

Paul Mitchell the School Michigan

Sterling Heights, MI

Paul Mitchell the School Michigan landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Paul Mitchell the School Michigan is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Sterling Heights.

Women make up 94% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Michigan take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $13,340. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $87, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Michigan

Paul Mitchell the School Indianapolis ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Paul Mitchell the School Indianapolis is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis.

Of the 100 students majoring in cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Indianapolis, 5% are male and 95% are female.

Cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Indianapolis take out an average of $12,871 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $101.

Read More…

#11

Cosmetology & Spa Academy

Crystal Lake, IL

Cosmetology & Spa Academy ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Cosmetology & Spa Academy is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Crystal Lake.

About 76% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 24% are male.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Cosmetology & Spa Academy carry an average student debt load of $11,917.

Read More…

With a ranking of #11, Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance is a small private for-profit school located in the town of Alliance.

Of the 95 students majoring in cosmetology at Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance, 1% are male and 99% are female.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance accumulate an average of around $13,162 in student debt.

Full Cosmetology at Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance Report

#13

Larry's Barber College

Chicago, IL

Larry’s Barber College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #13 on the list. Larry's Barber College is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of Chicago.

Of the 90 students majoring in cosmetology at Larry's Barber College, 86% are male and 14% are female.

Cosmetology majors at Larry's Barber College take out an average of $7,416 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Larry’s Barber College

#14

Twin City Beauty College

Saint Joseph, MI

Twin City Beauty College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in the suburb of Saint Joseph, Twin City Beauty College is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

Women make up 97% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $74.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Twin City Beauty College

Paul Mitchell the School Chicago ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Paul Mitchell the School Chicago is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of Chicago.

About 88% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 12% are male.

After completing their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School Chicago carry an average student debt load of $15,329. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $122.

Read More…

#16

Empire Beauty School-Michigan

Grand Rapids, MI

With a ranking of #16, Empire Beauty School-Michigan did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Empire Beauty School-Michigan is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Grand Rapids.

Of the 76 students majoring in cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Michigan, 12% are male and 88% are female.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-Michigan take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $15,432. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $77.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Michigan

#17

LaBarberia Institute of Hair

Mayfield Hts, OH

LaBarberia Institute of Hair landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. LaBarberia Institute of Hair is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Mayfield Hts.

Of the 72 students majoring in cosmetology at LaBarberia Institute of Hair, 75% are male and 25% are female.

Full Cosmetology at LaBarberia Institute of Hair Report

Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture-Ft Wayne did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for cosmetology students to get a undergraduate certificate. It came in at #17 on the list. Rudae's School of Beauty Culture-Ft Wayne is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of Fort Wayne.

Women make up 93% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $75, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture-Ft Wayne Report

#19

Denmark College

Merrillville, IN

With a ranking of #19, Denmark College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the large suburb of Merrillville, Denmark College is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

Women make up 37% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Denmark College take out while working on their Undergraduate Certificate is $15,117.

Read More…

Paul Mitchell the School Grand Rapids ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in the small city of Kentwood, Paul Mitchell the School Grand Rapids is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

Women make up 97% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Grand Rapids accumulate an average of around $14,142 in student debt.

Full Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Grand Rapids Report

With a ranking of #21, Paul Mitchell the School Lombard did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Paul Mitchell the School Lombard is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Lombard.

Women make up 91% of the cosmetology majors at the school.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Lombard accumulate an average of around $15,329 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $122.

Read More…

Paul Mitchell the School Farmington Hills ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in the city of Farmington Hills, Paul Mitchell the School Farmington Hills is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

Of the 65 students majoring in cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Farmington Hills, 3% are male and 97% are female.

Cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Farmington Hills take out an average of $17,783 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $111, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

With a ranking of #23, The Institute of Beauty and Wellness did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in the large city of Milwaukee, The Institute of Beauty and Wellness is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

About 91% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 9% are male.

While working on their Undergraduate Certificate, cosmetology majors at The Institute of Beauty and Wellness accumulate an average of around $14,937 in student debt. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $75, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

With a ranking of #23, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Highland did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for cosmetology students working on their undergraduate certificate. Tricoci HLD is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Highland.

Of the 64 students majoring in cosmetology at Tricoci HLD, 6% are male and 94% are female.

Cosmetology majors at Tricoci HLD take out an average of $14,225 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $107, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Highland Report

#25

Aveda Institute - Columbus

Columbus, OH

Aveda Institute - Columbus landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate cosmetology programs. Located in the large city of Columbus, Aveda Institute - Columbus is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

About 97% of the students majoring in cosmetology at the school are women while 3% are male.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Aveda Institute - Columbus take out $13,078 in student loans while working on their Undergraduate Certificate. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $130.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Aveda Institute - Columbus

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional popular schools for Cosmetology students in the Great Lakes Region that almost earned our Most Popular Cosmetology Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.

Rank College Location
34 Northern Institute of Cosmetology Lorain, OH
35 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NW Chicago, IL
36 G Skin & Beauty Institute West Dundee, IL
37 Paul Mitchell the School Bradley Bourbonnais, IL
37 Rogers Academy of Hair Design Evansville, IN
37 University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts Springfield, IL
40 Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Danville Danville, IL
40 Salon Institute-Toledo Campus Toledo, OH
42 Paul Mitchell the School Merrillville Merrillville, IN
42 Pivot Point Academy Bloomingdale, IL
42 Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc-Niles Niles, OH

Best Cosmetology Colleges by State

Explore the best cosmetology colleges for a specific state in the Great Lakes region.

State Degrees Awarded
Michigan 6
Ohio 15
Illinois 19
Indiana 8
Wisconsin 6

One of 4 majors within the area of study, cosmetology has other similar majors worth exploring.

Related Major Annual Graduates
Culinary Arts 19,806
Funeral & Mortuary Science 2,354
Casino Operations and Services 192
Other Personal & Culinary Services 81

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Tiffany Bumgardner.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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