Jonathan BensonCosmetology is a booming creative career in the United States. From hairstyling and nail technology to makeup and skincare, choosing the right school is essential for building a successful career.
Below is a detailed list of the top 50 cosmetology schools in America, complete with location, fees, and program descriptions.
Top 50 Cosmetology Schools In America And Fees
1. Paul Mitchell Schools
Location: Nationwide (Multiple Campuses)
Fees: $18,000–$25,000+
Paul Mitchell Schools are a leading name in cosmetology education, offering hands-on training in hair, makeup, and skincare. Students also learn business and salon management skills, preparing them for both creative and professional success in the beauty industry.
2. Empire Beauty Schools
Location: Nationwide
Fees: $15,000–$22,000
Empire Beauty Schools combine technical skills and practical experience in cosmetology, esthetics, and nails. Students graduate ready to handle real clients, master current trends, and thrive in diverse salon or spa environments.
3. Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute
Location: Covington, LA + Others
Fees: $15,000–$24,000
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute emphasizes environmentally conscious beauty using Aveda products. Students gain expertise in hair, makeup, skincare, and esthetics while learning salon management and client service skills essential for professional success.
4. QC Makeup Academy
Location: Online + Selected In-Person Hubs
Fees: $4,000–$12,000
QC Makeup Academy offers flexible online courses in makeup artistry, esthetics, and skincare. This program is ideal for students who want to learn remotely without compromising hands-on experience through practical assignments and interactive training.
5. Long Island Beauty School
Location: New York
Fees: $12,000–$18,000
Long Island Beauty School provides comprehensive cosmetology training in hair styling, coloring, skincare, and nail technology. Students gain real salon experience and learn industry standards that prepare them for state licensure and professional work.
6. Cosmetology & Spa Academy
Location: Florida
Fees: $14,000–$20,000
Cosmetology & Spa Academy integrates traditional beauty programs with spa and wellness training. Students graduate ready to work in salons, spas, or wellness centers, equipped with skills in esthetics, hair, and nail services.
7. Vogue College of Cosmetology
Location: Various U.S. Cities
Fees: $12,000–$20,000
Vogue College offers a curriculum that covers hair, skin, nails, and salon management. Their hands-on training ensures students leave with practical experience, confidence, and the professional skills needed to succeed in a competitive beauty industry.
8. Huntington School of Beauty Culture
Location: Multiple U.S. Locations
Fees: $12,000–$18,000
Huntington School provides extensive training in hairstyling, makeup, nails, and esthetics. With strong emphasis on professionalism and real-world experience, graduates are prepared for licensure and careers in salons, spas, and freelance beauty services.
9. American Academy of Cosmetology
Location: Various U.S. Locations
Fees: $10,000–$18,000
This academy offers full-service training in cosmetology, focusing on creative techniques, client services, and salon management. Students benefit from practical experience that prepares them for licensing exams and professional opportunities.
10. National Beauty College
Location: Multiple U.S. Locations
Fees: $10,000–$20,000
National Beauty College trains students in hairstyling, makeup, skincare, and nails. The program emphasizes creativity, professionalism, and client interaction, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet industry standards and thrive in salon environments.
11. American Beauty Schools
Location: Nationwide
Fees: ~$12,650
American Beauty Schools specialize in cosmetology and esthetics, offering practical hands-on training and classroom instruction. Students gain the technical knowledge and professional skills required to succeed in diverse beauty careers, including salon work and freelance artistry.
12. Cosmetology School of Arts & Sciences (CSAS)
Location: U.S.
Fees: ~$18,400
CSAS combines artistic training with technical cosmetology education. Students learn hairstyling, makeup, and skincare while developing the business and client management skills necessary for successful beauty careers and licensing.
13. New England School of Hair Design
Location: New Hampshire
Fees: $17,000–$19,000
New England School of Hair Design provides hands-on training in hair, skin, nails, and salon operations. Their curriculum prepares students for licensing and equips them with creative and technical skills essential for professional success.
14. Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy
Location: Dallas, TX + Others
Fees: $17,000–$23,000
Toni & Guy offers high-fashion hair and beauty education. Students learn advanced styling, cutting, and coloring techniques in an internationally recognized program, gaining experience and skills to excel in competitive salon and fashion environments.
15. Aveda Institute Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Fees: $24,000+
This campus focuses on sustainable beauty and professional cosmetology training. Students gain advanced skills in hair, skincare, makeup, and salon management, preparing them for careers in high-end salons, spas, and freelance beauty industries.
16. Arkansas Beauty School
Location: Little Rock, AR
Fees: $19,000+
Arkansas Beauty School provides comprehensive cosmetology education, including hair, nails, and esthetics. Students receive hands-on training in modern techniques and client services, preparing them for licensing exams and successful careers in local salons, spas, or freelance beauty work.
17. UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
Location: San Antonio, TX
Fees: $14,000+
UCAS trains students in hairstyling, esthetics, nails, and makeup artistry. The program emphasizes creative expression, practical salon experience, and professionalism, equipping graduates with the technical expertise and client service skills required for competitive beauty careers.
18. French Academy of Cosmetology
Location: Spring Lake, MI
Fees: $12,000+
The French Academy of Cosmetology offers training in hair, makeup, skin care, and nails. With a boutique-style program, students receive individualized attention while learning technical skills, salon operations, and client management essential for a thriving cosmetology career.
19. Christine Valmy International School
Location: New York, NY
Fees: $12,000–$18,000+
This renowned school focuses on skincare, makeup, and esthetics. Students combine theory with extensive practical experience, mastering modern beauty techniques and gaining professional readiness for careers in salons, spas, and freelance esthetics services.
20. Douglas J Aveda Institute East Lansing
Location: East Lansing, MI
Fees: $15,000–$20,000+
Douglas J Aveda Institute emphasizes sustainable beauty practices and hands-on training. Students develop technical skills in hair, skincare, nails, and makeup while also learning salon management, client service, and professional career strategies for long-term success.
21. Grace International Beauty School
Location: Flushing, NY
Fees: $12,500–$17,500
Grace International Beauty School provides a full cosmetology curriculum covering hairstyling, makeup, skincare, and nails. Students receive practical salon training and client interaction experience, preparing them for licensing and a variety of career opportunities in the beauty industry.
22. Asian‑American International Beauty College
Location: Westminster, CA
Fees: $13,000–$18,000
This school offers multicultural-focused training in hair, nails, skincare, and esthetics. Students learn industry trends and practical techniques while developing professional client service skills needed to thrive in diverse salon and spa environments.
23. Advance Beauty College
Location: Garden Grove, CA
Fees: $14,000–$20,000
Advance Beauty College focuses on modern beauty techniques, including hairstyling, nail technology, skincare, and makeup. Students gain hands-on experience and business knowledge to ensure they are prepared for licensure and a career in salons or freelance artistry.
24. San Jacinto College – Cosmetology
Location: Pasadena, TX
Fees: $13,400+
San Jacinto College offers affordable, accredited cosmetology programs. Students receive comprehensive instruction in hairstyling, skincare, makeup, and nails. The curriculum balances theory and hands-on experience, preparing graduates for licensing exams and real-world salon work.
25. Los Angeles Trade Technical College – Cosmetology
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Fees: $15,200+
LATTC provides extensive cosmetology programs at lower costs than many private schools. Students train in hair, makeup, nails, and skincare, with strong emphasis on portfolio development, professional practices, and client-focused services.
26. Clover Park Technical College
Location: Lakewood, WA
Fees: $5,900
Clover Park Technical College offers an affordable associate degree in cosmetology. Students learn hair design, skincare, nails, and salon operations. Its hands-on, practical approach prepares students for state licensing and career-ready positions in salons or spas.
27. Gateway Technical College – Cosmetology
Location: Kenosha, WI
Fees: $6,900
Gateway Technical College provides certificate programs in hairstyling, nails, skincare, and makeup. Students gain practical experience in simulated salon environments, preparing them for state licensure and entry-level cosmetology roles.
28. Mid‑State Technical College
Location: Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Fees: $6,850
Mid-State Technical College offers a cosmetology certificate program emphasizing hands-on training in hair, nails, and skincare. Graduates are well-prepared for state licensing exams and careers in salons, spas, and freelance beauty services.
29. Houston Community College – Cosmetology
Location: Houston, TX
Fees: $5,460
HCC provides accessible cosmetology certification programs in hair, nails, skincare, and makeup. The program emphasizes practical experience, client interaction, and professional development, enabling graduates to succeed in salons and freelance careers.
30. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Location: Shell Lake, WI
Fees: $6,624
WITC trains students in comprehensive cosmetology practices, including hairstyling, makeup, skincare, and nails. Its hands-on program prepares graduates for licensing exams and equips them with skills to thrive in professional salon environments.
31. National University College – Cosmetology
Location: Bayamon, PR
Fees: $10,000–$18,000
National University College offers programs in hairstyling, esthetics, and nails. Students benefit from modern facilities, practical training, and professional development classes, preparing them for licensure and successful careers in beauty services.
32. Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute – Covington
Location: Covington, LA
Fees: $15,000–$24,000
Aveda Covington emphasizes sustainable beauty, salon management, and creative technical skills. Students gain extensive hands-on experience, making them well-prepared for licensing exams and professional careers in salons, spas, or freelance artistry.
33. Empire Beauty College – Boston
Location: Boston, MA
Fees: $15,000–$20,000
Empire Boston combines classroom learning and practical salon training. Students gain technical knowledge in hairstyling, nails, and skincare, while also developing professional skills necessary to succeed in competitive urban beauty markets.
34. Empire Beauty College – Philadelphia
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Fees: $15,000–$20,000
Philadelphia’s Empire campus emphasizes practical skills and client management. Students receive hands-on training in hair, makeup, nails, and esthetics, preparing them for licensing exams and professional opportunities in salons or spas.
35. International Beauty Institute – Texas
Location: Multiple Campuses, TX
Fees: $10,000–$18,000
International Beauty Institute offers a modern curriculum covering hairstyling, nails, skincare, and makeup. Students graduate with professional skills and real-world experience to pursue careers in salons, spas, and freelance beauty services.
36. Oklahoma Academy – Oklahoma City
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Fees: $9,000–$18,000
Oklahoma Academy focuses on hair design, makeup artistry, nails, and esthetics. With hands-on training and career guidance, students are well-prepared to pass licensing exams and build successful local or freelance cosmetology careers.
37. Sahara Beauty School – Phoenix
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Fees: $9,000–$17,000
Sahara Beauty School emphasizes modern salon techniques in hair, nails, makeup, and skincare. Students gain practical experience and career-focused training to prepare for licensing and entry-level positions in the beauty industry.
38. Hollywood Beauty College – Sacramento
Location: Sacramento, CA
Fees: $12,000–$20,000
Hollywood Beauty College combines classical cosmetology education with modern trends. Students train in hair, nails, skincare, and makeup while learning client relations, preparing them for both salon and freelance careers.
39. Sunshine School of Cosmetology – Tampa
Location: Tampa, FL
Fees: $10,000–$18,000
Sunshine School provides comprehensive training in hairstyling, nails, skincare, and makeup. Hands-on learning and professional guidance prepare students to meet state licensing requirements and excel in salon or spa careers.
40. Beauty Masters Academy – Seattle
Location: Seattle, WA
Fees: $10,000–$19,000
Beauty Masters Academy offers cosmetology programs emphasizing practical experience, client service, and creative development. Graduates leave with the technical skills and professional readiness to pursue successful careers in beauty.
41. Glamour Beauty School – Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL
Fees: $12,000–$20,000
Glamour Beauty School focuses on technical training in hair, makeup, nails, and skincare. Students learn industry trends and customer service, preparing them for licensure and careers in salons, spas, and freelance opportunities.
42. Elite Cosmetology Institute – Miami
Location: Miami, FL
Fees: $12,000–$22,000
Elite Cosmetology Institute offers immersive training in hairstyling, nails, esthetics, and makeup. Students gain hands-on experience and career development skills, preparing them for successful licensure and professional growth.
43. New York Institute of Beauty
Location: New York, NY
Fees: $12,000–$20,000
NYIB provides advanced training in hair, makeup, skincare, and nails. Students benefit from professional mentorship and real salon experience, giving them a competitive edge in the beauty industry.
44. California College of Beauty
Location: Multiple Campuses, CA
Fees: $12,000–$22,000
California College of Beauty offers comprehensive training in cosmetology and esthetics. Students develop practical skills, business knowledge, and creativity, preparing them for state licensure and successful careers.
45. Great Lakes Beauty College – IL
Location: Illinois
Fees: $10,000–$18,000
Great Lakes Beauty College combines hands-on technical training with classroom instruction. Students develop skills in hair, makeup, nails, and skincare while preparing for state licensure and careers in salons and spas.
46. East Coast School of Hair Design – NC/VA
Location: North Carolina / Virginia
Fees: $10,000–$18,000
East Coast School trains students in hair, skincare, nails, and makeup artistry. Practical, hands-on learning and career guidance prepare graduates for successful licensing and professional cosmetology careers.
47. Mountain State Beauty Academy – WV
Location: West Virginia
Fees: $9,000–$17,000
Mountain State Beauty Academy offers a tight-knit learning environment emphasizing hairstyling, makeup, skincare, and nails. Students gain practical experience and develop client service skills essential for licensing and salon careers.
48. Beauty Schools Directory Listed Institutions
Location: Various U.S. Locations
Fees: $9,000–$18,000
This directory provides access to accredited beauty schools nationwide. Students can compare programs in cosmetology, esthetics, nails, and makeup to find options that fit their budget, location, and career goals.
49. Community College Cosmetology Programs
Location: Nationwide
Fees: $3,000–$10,000
Many U.S. community colleges offer cosmetology certificates or associate degrees. These programs provide affordable, hands-on training in hair, skincare, nails, and makeup, making them ideal for budget-conscious students pursuing licensing and salon careers.
50. Regional Specialty Academies
Location: Various States
Fees: $9,000–$18,000
Regional specialty academies provide training in hairstyling, esthetics, nails, and makeup with a focus on niche areas like bridal makeup or advanced nail techniques. Programs prepare students for licensing exams and successful freelance or salon careers.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Cosmetology Schools & Fees
| School | Location | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell Schools | Nationwide | $18,000–$25,000+ |
| Empire Beauty Schools | Nationwide | $15,000–$22,000 |
| Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute | Various | $15,000–$24,000 |
| QC Makeup Academy | Online | $4,000–$12,000 |
| Long Island Beauty School | NY | $12,000–$18,000 |
| San Jacinto College | TX | $13,400+ |
| Clover Park Technical College | WA | $5,900 |
| Gateway Technical College | WI | $6,900 |
| Mid-State Technical College | WI | $6,850 |
| Houston Community College | TX | $5,460 |
Conclusion
Choosing the right cosmetology school is critical to launching a successful beauty career. Consider location, fees, curriculum, hands-on training, and accreditation when making your decision. From top-tier national schools to affordable community college programs, today’s cosmetology education offers paths for every budget and career goal. Always confirm fees, program hours, and licensing requirements with schools before enrollment.