Jonathan BensonIf you’re looking to start a career in beauty, enrolling in one of the top cosmetology schools in Atlanta is the first major step toward becoming a licensed professional. Whether your goal is to become a hairstylist, makeup artist, esthetician, salon owner, or beauty entrepreneur, Atlanta offers some of the best training institutions in Georgia.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Top 20 cosmetology schools in Atlanta and their fees, program highlights, and what makes each institution stand out. If you’re comparing tuition, reputation, or hands-on training opportunities, this article will help you make an informed decision.
Top 20 Cosmetology Schools in Atlanta (With Fees)
1. Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta
Paul Mitchell is one of the most recognized beauty education brands in America. The Atlanta campus offers a salon-like learning environment where students gain hands-on experience early in the program.
Estimated Tuition: $19,000 – $22,500 (includes kit & books)
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: National brand recognition, strong alumni network, financial aid availability.
Students benefit from business training, marketing education, and professional development courses that prepare them for long-term success in the beauty industry.
2. Empire Beauty School
Located just outside Atlanta, Empire Beauty School provides flexible schedules and multiple start dates throughout the year.
Estimated Tuition: Around $22,000 (including supplies)
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Frequent enrollments, financial aid assistance, career placement support.
Empire focuses on practical salon skills alongside client-building strategies.
3. Atlanta Technical College
For students seeking affordability, Atlanta Technical College is one of the most budget-friendly options.
Estimated Tuition: $2,400 (in-state) / $4,800 (out-of-state)
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Lowest tuition in the Atlanta area, public college benefits.
This option is ideal for students who qualify for in-state tuition and want a cost-effective path to licensure.
4. Elaine Sterling Institute
Located in Buckhead, Elaine Sterling Institute blends European spa traditions with American beauty technology.
Estimated Tuition: $18,000 – $21,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Upscale training environment, strong esthetics focus.
The institute also offers spa-style clinical training, giving students exposure to real client services.
5. Atlanta Beauty & Barber Academy
This school offers cosmetology, barbering, nail tech, and esthetics programs.
Estimated Tuition: $15,000 – $20,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Diverse program offerings, hands-on emphasis.
It’s ideal for students interested in dual licensing opportunities.
6. Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Atlanta
Aveda schools are known for eco-friendly beauty training and holistic practices.
Estimated Tuition: $18,000 – $23,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Sustainable beauty focus, strong brand reputation.
Students train using Aveda products and participate in fashion and beauty events.
7. Beaver Beauty Academy
Located in Decatur, this academy offers small class sizes and personalized instruction.
Estimated Tuition: $14,000 – $18,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Close mentorship and community-based learning.
8. CEI Hair Schools
CEI focuses heavily on hair design and styling techniques.
Estimated Tuition: $16,000 – $20,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Strong emphasis on hair artistry and salon readiness.
9. Health and Style Institute
This Buckhead-area school offers cosmetology and esthetics training.
Estimated Tuition: $17,000 – $21,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Flexible scheduling options.
10. Iverson Institute – Atlanta
Iverson Institute focuses on preparing students for immediate careers in cosmetology. Their curriculum emphasizes both technical skills and business knowledge, giving students hands-on training in hair cutting, coloring, styling, and chemical treatments. The institute also offers guidance on client management, marketing, and salon operations, ensuring graduates are ready to succeed in competitive salon environments.
Estimated Tuition: $15,000 – $19,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Comprehensive career preparation and strong focus on client-service skills.
11. Lasting Layers of Beauty Institute – Tucker
Lasting Layers of Beauty Institute offers personalized cosmetology instruction in a boutique environment. Students receive one-on-one mentoring and gain practical experience in styling, hair coloring, and cutting techniques. The school also emphasizes safety, sanitation, and Georgia state board preparation, giving students the knowledge needed to pass licensing exams successfully.
Estimated Tuition: $13,000 – $17,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Small class sizes and personalized attention.
12. Living Beauty Cosmetology School – Atlanta
Living Beauty Cosmetology School focuses on the fundamentals of cosmetology while providing a modern, hands-on learning environment. Students work in student-run salons to practice hairstyling, nail care, and skincare techniques under professional supervision. The school also offers workshops on trending hair and makeup techniques to keep students competitive in the industry.
Estimated Tuition: $12,000 – $16,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Strong foundation in core cosmetology skills with practical salon experience.
13. Loraine’s Academy – Atlanta
Loraine’s Academy is a local Atlanta cosmetology school known for its practical and flexible programs. Students are trained in hair styling, chemical treatments, color application, and client service skills. The school maintains small class sizes, allowing instructors to provide individual attention to each student.
Estimated Tuition: $12,000 – $15,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Focus on hands-on practice and smaller classes for better guidance.
14. USA Beauty Academy – Peachtree Corners
USA Beauty Academy offers a variety of cosmetology and esthetician programs. Their curriculum combines classroom instruction with real-world practice in their student salon. Students learn about hair care, skin care, nails, and makeup artistry, along with customer service and salon management skills.
Estimated Tuition: $13,000 – $17,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Boutique-style training with comprehensive cosmetology and esthetics programs.
15. Pro Way Hair School – Stone Mountain
Pro Way Hair School specializes in hands-on hair education. Students are trained in advanced cutting techniques, hair coloring, chemical texturizing, and styling for different hair types. The school emphasizes practical experience, preparing students to handle clients confidently after graduation.
Estimated Tuition: $14,000 – $18,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Intensive, practical hair-focused training for immediate career readiness.
16. Georgia Beauty School – Norcross
Georgia Beauty School is a smaller, community-based school providing cosmetology training for aspiring professionals. Programs include hair, nails, and esthetics, focusing on both technical skills and state board preparation. Students receive individualized instruction to ensure mastery of cosmetology principles.
Estimated Tuition: $11,000 – $15,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Affordable tuition and focused attention on student success.
17. Hogan Institute of Cosmetology & Esthetics – Lilburn
Hogan Institute offers comprehensive programs in cosmetology and esthetics. Students learn hair styling, coloring, skincare, and nail techniques, along with customer service, salon operations, and portfolio building. The school provides both full-time and part-time options to accommodate working students.
Estimated Tuition: $13,000 – $18,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Offers both cosmetology and esthetics training with flexible schedules.
18. Shearz Institute Cosmetology School – Lithia Springs
Shearz Institute provides community-based cosmetology programs focusing on modern hair and beauty techniques. Students practice in simulated salon environments, gaining hands-on experience in cutting, styling, coloring, and chemical treatments. The school emphasizes preparing students for the Georgia licensing exam and employment in professional salons.
Estimated Tuition: $12,000 – $16,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Affordable community-focused education with practical training.
19. Lasting Layers of Beauty – Atlanta Campus
Another branch of Lasting Layers, the Atlanta campus provides students with advanced cosmetology training in hair, nails, and esthetics. The school offers workshops and continuing education to ensure students stay updated on current beauty trends and techniques.
Estimated Tuition: $13,000 – $17,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Focus on industry-relevant skills and continued learning opportunities.
20. Touched By An Angel Beauty School – Jonesboro
Located in Jonesboro, just outside Atlanta, this school offers a comprehensive cosmetology program. Students receive training in hairstyling, nail care, skincare, and makeup application, along with essential salon management skills. The school prepares students thoroughly for the Georgia State Board exam.
Estimated Tuition: $11,000 – $15,000
Program Hours: 1,500 hours
Why Choose It: Affordable and focused on preparing students for licensure and professional success.
Why Study Cosmetology in Atlanta?
Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing beauty markets in the United States. The city is known for its thriving hair industry, strong Black beauty culture, fashion influence, and booming entertainment scene. From Buckhead salons to Midtown studios, licensed cosmetologists have strong income potential.
To become licensed in Georgia, students must complete 1,500 training hours and pass the Georgia State Board exam. The schools below meet state requirements and provide structured training programs.
Comparison Table: Top Cosmetology Schools in Atlanta
| School | Estimated Tuition | Program Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell | $19K–$22K | 1500 | National brand recognition |
| Empire Beauty | ~$22K | 1500 | Flexible schedules |
| Atlanta Technical College | $2.4K–$4.8K | 1500 | Most affordable |
| Elaine Sterling | $18K–$21K | 1500 | Spa-style training |
| Aveda Institute | $18K–$23K | 1500 | Eco-friendly beauty |
| Others (Private Schools Avg.) | $11K–$18K | 1500 | Budget & boutique options |
Conclusion
Choosing the right cosmetology school in Atlanta depends on your budget, career goals, and preferred learning environment. Public institutions like Atlanta Technical College offer affordability, while branded schools like Paul Mitchell and Aveda provide national recognition and structured career support.
Before enrolling:
- Visit campuses.
- Ask about financial aid.
- Compare total costs (including kits & fees).
- Review graduation and job placement rates.
Atlanta remains one of the best cities in Georgia to build a thriving beauty career. With the right training, you can turn your passion for beauty into a profitable profession.