Jonathan BensonGeorgia is home to a thriving beauty industry with numerous opportunities for skilled cosmetologists. If you’re planning to start a career in cosmetology, attending a reputable school in Georgia is a critical first step. With programs that combine hands-on training and licensing preparation, Georgia offers a variety of options for aspiring beauty professionals.
Most cosmetology programs in Georgia require 1,200–1,500 hours of training, which can be completed in 9–12 months, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. Tuition varies significantly, ranging from $5,000 to $22,000, depending on whether you attend a public technical college or a private beauty academy.
This comprehensive guide covers the top 15 cosmetology schools in Georgia and their fees, providing detailed insights to help you choose the right school.
Top 15 Cosmetology Schools In Georgia And Fees
1. Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta
Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta is one of the most prestigious cosmetology schools in Georgia. Known for its high-quality curriculum and professional development focus, it prepares students for successful careers in salons and spas.
Students are trained in haircutting, coloring, chemical services, makeup, and skincare. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in a student salon, allowing learners to build confidence while working with real clients. Business and marketing training is also included, preparing graduates to manage salons or grow personal brands.
Fees:
- Tuition: $18,150
- Total Cost (including kit & fees): $22,000+
2. Empire Beauty School Atlanta
Empire Beauty School Atlanta offers a flexible and structured cosmetology program, ideal for students who need varied scheduling options.
The curriculum covers hair design, chemical treatments, skincare, and nail services. Students also gain real-world experience in a supervised salon environment. The school emphasizes career readiness, helping students develop professional skills and prepare for employment after graduation.
Fees:
- Total Cost: approximately $21,500
3. Aveda Institute Atlanta
Aveda Institute Atlanta specializes in eco-friendly cosmetology education, using Aveda products and sustainable beauty practices.
Students learn hair cutting, styling, coloring, skincare, and makeup artistry, with a focus on wellness and creativity. Hands-on salon experience is a key component, preparing students for careers in high-end and eco-conscious salons.
Fees:
- Tuition: $18,000 – $22,000
4. The Salon Professional Academy – Atlanta
The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) in Atlanta offers a full-spectrum cosmetology program designed for career-focused students.
Training includes hair, nails, skincare, and makeup, combined with business and marketing lessons. Students work in a professional student salon, gaining experience with real clients. The program emphasizes both creativity and professionalism.
Fees:
- Estimated Total Cost: $16,500 – $20,000
5. Blush School of Cosmetology
Blush School of Cosmetology is a smaller, hands-on school that emphasizes individual attention.
The program covers hairstyling, chemical treatments, skincare, and nail care. Students benefit from small class sizes, allowing instructors to provide personalized guidance. Career preparation and salon experience are major components of the curriculum.
Fees:
- Estimated Tuition: $12,500 – $16,000
6. Georgia Career Institute – Atlanta
Georgia Career Institute offers affordable and career-focused cosmetology training.
Students are taught hair, skin, and nail techniques, as well as essential business skills. The school also provides hands-on salon experience to prepare students for state licensing exams.
Fees:
- Estimated Tuition: $10,000 – $13,500
7. Southeastern School of Cosmetology
Southeastern School of Cosmetology provides a comprehensive program with both classroom instruction and practical experience.
Students receive training in haircutting, coloring, chemical services, skincare, and nail care. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, customer service, and salon management skills.
Fees:
- Estimated Tuition: $11,000 – $15,000
8. Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta Technical College offers one of the most affordable cosmetology programs in Georgia.
Students learn the fundamentals of hairstyling, skincare, and nail care, along with safety and sanitation practices. The program prepares students for the state licensing exam while providing hands-on salon experience.
Fees:
- Estimated Tuition: $5,000 – $7,500
9. Gwinnett College – Atlanta
Gwinnett College offers a full cosmetology curriculum designed to prepare students for immediate employment.
The program covers hair, skin, and nail care, chemical services, and professional business training. Students gain practical experience in a supervised student salon.
Fees:
- Estimated Tuition: $14,000 – $18,000
10. Empire Beauty School – Marietta
Empire Beauty School in Marietta provides similar high-quality cosmetology training as the Atlanta campus, with flexible schedules and hands-on salon practice.
The curriculum covers all core cosmetology skills, including chemical services, nail care, and skincare. Career readiness and salon operations are emphasized.
Fees:
- Total Cost: $20,000 – $21,500
11. Bluffton Beauty College
Bluffton Beauty College focuses on practical cosmetology training and skill development.
Students learn hairstyling, coloring, chemical treatments, and makeup artistry, while gaining experience in a student salon. The program prepares students for licensing and employment.
Fees:
- Estimated Tuition: $11,500 – $14,500
12. Fulton County Schools – Career Center
Fulton County Career Center offers an affordable cosmetology program for local students seeking practical training.
The curriculum emphasizes salon techniques, professional conduct, and licensing preparation. Students gain hands-on experience under instructor supervision.
Fees:
- Estimated Tuition: $5,500 – $7,500
13. Davis Academy of Cosmetology
Davis Academy offers a comprehensive cosmetology curriculum focusing on modern salon techniques.
Students are trained in hairstyling, chemical services, skincare, and nail care. Hands-on experience in a student salon prepares graduates for employment.
Fees:
- Estimated Tuition: $12,000 – $16,000
14. Athens Technical College
Athens Technical College provides affordable, high-quality cosmetology education.
Students gain expertise in hair, skincare, and nail techniques, along with business and customer service skills. Licensing exam preparation is integrated into the program.
Fees:
- Estimated Tuition: $5,000 – $7,500
15. Savannah Technical College
Savannah Technical College is a public college offering a budget-friendly cosmetology program.
The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on salon experience, preparing students for licensing and entry-level employment.
Fees:
- Estimated Tuition: $5,500 – $8,000
Comparison Table of Top 15 Cosmetology Schools in Georgia
| School Name | Estimated Tuition | Total Cost Range | Program Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta | $18,150 | $22,000+ | ~12 months |
| Empire Beauty School Atlanta | $21,500 | Mid-High | ~12 months |
| Aveda Institute Atlanta | $18,000–$22,000 | High | ~12 months |
| The Salon Professional Academy – Atlanta | $16,500–$20,000 | Mid-High | ~12 months |
| Blush School of Cosmetology | $12,500–$16,000 | Mid | ~12 months |
| Georgia Career Institute – Atlanta | $10,000–$13,500 | Mid | ~12 months |
| Southeastern School of Cosmetology | $11,000–$15,000 | Mid | ~12 months |
| Atlanta Technical College | $5,000–$7,500 | Low | ~12 months |
| Gwinnett College – Atlanta | $14,000–$18,000 | Mid | ~12 months |
| Empire Beauty School – Marietta | $20,000–$21,500 | Mid-High | ~12 months |
| Bluffton Beauty College | $11,500–$14,500 | Mid | ~12 months |
| Fulton County Schools – Career Center | $5,500–$7,500 | Low | ~12 months |
| Davis Academy of Cosmetology | $12,000–$16,000 | Mid | ~12 months |
| Athens Technical College | $5,000–$7,500 | Low | ~12 months |
| Savannah Technical College | $5,500–$8,000 | Low | ~12 months |
Conclusion
Selecting the right cosmetology school in Georgia depends on your budget, career goals, and preferred learning style.
- Premium programs: Paul Mitchell, Aveda Institute, and TSPA Atlanta
- Mid-range programs: Empire Beauty School, Blush School, Davis Academy
- Affordable programs: Atlanta Technical College, Athens Technical College, Savannah Technical College
Before enrolling, consider tuition, program length, included materials, accreditation, and job placement support. With proper training, dedication, and hands-on experience, you can launch a rewarding career in Georgia’s vibrant beauty industry.