Top 20 Cosmetology Schools In Baltimore And Fees

The beauty industry in Baltimore continues to grow, creating strong demand for licensed cosmetologists, hairstylists, makeup artists, and skincare professionals. If you’re planning to enroll in a cosmetology program, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

In this detailed guide, we explore the Top 20 Cosmetology Schools in Baltimore and nearby areas, including tuition estimates, program structure, and what makes each institution stand out. Most full cosmetology programs in Maryland require approximately 1,500 training hours to qualify for state licensure.

Top 20 Cosmetology Schools In Baltimore And Fees

1. Aveda Institute Maryland

Located in Bel Air, just outside Baltimore, Aveda Institute Maryland is one of the most recognized beauty schools in the region. The school follows Aveda’s globally respected curriculum, blending technical training with wellness principles and environmentally conscious beauty practices.

Students receive hands-on training in cutting, coloring, styling, skincare basics, and client management. The campus includes a real-world salon environment where students work with actual clients.

Estimated Tuition & Fees: ~$26,000 total (including kit and materials)
Program Length: ~1,500 hours

Best for students who want brand recognition and strong salon placement potential.

2. Paul Mitchell The School Jessup

Paul Mitchell is a nationally known name in cosmetology education. The Jessup campus serves many Baltimore-area students and offers a structured curriculum that combines technical mastery with professional development.

Students learn hair design, texture services, makeup basics, and salon business skills. The school emphasizes personal branding and client-building strategies.

Estimated Tuition: ~$21,000–$22,000 total
Program Length: ~1,500 hours

Best for students seeking a strong national brand and structured education system.

3. Empire Beauty School Owings Mills

Empire Beauty School in Owings Mills provides comprehensive cosmetology training with a strong focus on salon-readiness. The curriculum includes hair cutting, chemical treatments, color, skincare basics, and business skills.

Students gain practical experience in a supervised student salon before graduating.

Estimated Tuition: ~$22,000
Program Length: ~1,500 hours

Best for students looking for financial aid options and structured classroom training.

4. Empire Beauty School Glen Burnie

Another strong Empire campus serving Baltimore, the Glen Burnie location offers similar coursework but may provide slightly different scheduling flexibility.

The school prepares students thoroughly for the Maryland state licensing exam while offering real-world salon exposure.

Estimated Tuition: ~$19,000–$20,000
Program Length: ~1,500 hours

Best for students seeking a slightly more affordable Empire option.

5. Baltimore Studio of Hair Design

Located in downtown Baltimore, this school focuses heavily on practical cosmetology training. Students receive hands-on experience in cutting, styling, and chemical services.

Being centrally located makes it convenient for city residents.

Estimated Tuition: ~$19,500
Program Length: ~1,500 hours

Best for students who want a local, city-based beauty school experience.

6. Baltimore Beauty & Barber School

This institution combines barbering and cosmetology training. It is ideal for students who may want cross-training in both fields.

The program emphasizes hands-on skill development and preparation for state board examinations.

Estimated Tuition: ~$21,000+
Program Length: ~1,500 hours

Best for students interested in both barbering and cosmetology pathways.

7. Montgomery Beauty School Baltimore Beauty & Barber School

This school offers cosmetology programs designed for fast-track completion. Some students can complete their program in under a year with full-time attendance.

The curriculum includes hair cutting, styling, color techniques, and professional ethics.

Estimated Tuition: ~$23,000+
Program Length: ~1,500 hours

Best for students seeking accelerated learning options.

8. Maryland Beauty Academy

Maryland Beauty Academy has multiple campuses serving the Baltimore region. It offers cosmetology programs as well as esthetics and nail technology.

Students benefit from hands-on practice and flexible scheduling options.

Estimated Tuition: Contact school
Program Length: ~1,500 hours

Best for students seeking flexible scheduling.

9. Aspen Beauty Academy

Located in Laurel, within commuting distance of Baltimore, Aspen Beauty Academy offers cosmetology training with competitive tuition rates.

The school provides training in haircutting, coloring, skincare basics, and chemical services.

Estimated Tuition: ~$18,000
Program Length: ~1,500 hours

Best for budget-conscious students.

10. Fortis Institute Towson

Fortis Institute offers various career training programs, including cosmetology-related options. The Towson campus is accessible for Baltimore residents.

The institute emphasizes career placement and industry-readiness.

Estimated Tuition: Varies (contact school)
Program Length: Varies

Best for students seeking broader career training options.

11. Point of Excellence Beauty Academy

Located in Windsor Mill, this academy focuses on skill mastery and small class sizes.

Students receive personal attention while completing their required hours.

Estimated Tuition: Contact school
Program Length: ~1,500 hours

Best for students who prefer smaller learning environments.

12. Avara’s Academy of Hair Design

Avara’s Academy focuses on hair design and barbering but also offers cosmetology training pathways.

It is a good option for students focused heavily on hair artistry.

Estimated Tuition: $9,000+ (varies by program)
Program Length: Varies

Best for students specializing in hair.

13. Beauty Expert Artistry Training

BEAT focuses more on makeup artistry and short-term beauty training programs rather than full cosmetology licensure.

Estimated Tuition: ~$2,300 (short courses)

Best for aspiring makeup artists.