General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
For its 2027 ranking, College Factual looked at 1126 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for general cosmetology/cosmetologist students pursuing a degree.
Choosing a Great General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist School
Where you study general cosmetology/cosmetologist matters for your future. That is why we built our Best General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Schools rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.
To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.
General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Rankings by Degree Level
We offer several rankings, including this Best General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Schools list, to help you decide. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
Best Schools for General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist in the United States
If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Chippewa Valley Technical College, our #1 school for general cosmetology/cosmetologist. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a large public school located in the city of Eau Claire. About 34 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Chippewa Valley Technical College in the most recent year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $23,405 in their early career. Chippewa Valley Technical College graduates carry a median of $9,395 in student loans.
More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Chippewa Valley Technical College
Students looking for a strong general cosmetology/cosmetologist program will find one at Madison Area Technical College, which ranked #2. Madison Area Technical College is a large public school located in the city of Madison. Madison Area Technical College awarded about 25 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Madison Area Technical College generally make around $22,152. Students borrow a median of $8,875 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Madison Area Technical College
Palm Beach State College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist, ranking #3. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Lake Worth. Palm Beach State College awarded about 80 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Palm Beach State College earn a median of $24,361 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete this degree.
See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Palm Beach State College
Waukesha County Technical College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Pewaukee, Waukesha County Technical College is a large public institution. There were roughly 57 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Waukesha County Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $27,049 in their early career. Waukesha County Technical College graduates carry a median of $9,750 in student loans.
See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Waukesha County Technical College
A rank of #5 makes Daytona State College one of the top schools for general cosmetology/cosmetologist. Set in the city of Daytona Beach, Daytona State College is a large public institution. Daytona State College awarded about 116 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Daytona State College earn a median of $20,212 early in their careers. Daytona State College graduates carry a median of $5,807 in student loans.
Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Daytona State College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College came in at #6 for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Rice Lake. About 53 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in the most recent year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $18,294 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $5,500.
Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Gateway Technical College earned the #7 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Set in the city of Kenosha, Gateway Technical College is a large public institution. There were roughly 65 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Gateway Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $42,410 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $7,958.
More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Gateway Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins placed #8 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a large public school located in the city of Warner Robins. There were roughly 246 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins generally make around $39,765. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins graduates carry a median of $7,217 in student loans.
Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Florida State College At Jacksonville earned the #9 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Florida State College At Jacksonville is a very large public school located in the city of Jacksonville. About 71 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Florida State College At Jacksonville in the most recent year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Florida State College At Jacksonville earn around $29,668 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,577 to complete this degree.
Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Florida State College At Jacksonville
Pensacola State College came in at #10 for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Set in the city of Pensacola, Pensacola State College is a large public institution. There were roughly 53 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Pensacola State College in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Pensacola State College earn a median of $23,911 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $5,500.
See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Pensacola State College
Fox Valley Technical College earned the #11 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Set in the suburb of Appleton, Fox Valley Technical College is a large public institution. There were roughly 29 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Fox Valley Technical College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Fox Valley Technical College earn around $44,020 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete this degree.
Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Fox Valley Technical College
San Jose City College ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose City College is a large public university. About 106 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at San Jose City College in the most recent year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of San Jose City College earn a median of $23,253 early in their careers.
More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from San Jose City College
Lee College placed #13 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Lee College is a large public school located in the city of Baytown. There were roughly 110 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Lee College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Lee College generally make around $14,727. Lee College graduates carry a median of $10,941 in student loans.
Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Lee College
Mid State Technical College landed the #14 spot for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Mid State Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Wisconsin Rapids. Mid State Technical College awarded about 27 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Mid State Technical College earn around $17,385 in the first couple years of their career. Mid State Technical College graduates carry a median of $6,081 in student loans.
Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Mid State Technical College
Trident Technical College earned the #15 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Charleston. About 49 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Trident Technical College in the most recent year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $50,166 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $18,116.
Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Trident Technical College
Milwaukee Area Technical College earned the #16 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Set in the city of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a very large public institution. Milwaukee Area Technical College awarded about 42 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Milwaukee Area Technical College earn a median of $23,198 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete this degree.
See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Milwaukee Area Technical College
South Georgia Technical College placed #17 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Americus. About 29 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at South Georgia Technical College in the most recent year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from South Georgia Technical College earn around $20,501 in the first couple years of their career. South Georgia Technical College graduates carry a median of $10,423 in student loans.
More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from South Georgia Technical College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #18 spot for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the city of Saint Paul, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College awarded about 85 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $32,987 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete this degree.
See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College came in at #19 for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. This mid-sized public university is located in the rural area of Fennimore. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College awarded about 26 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College earn a median of $42,087 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $12,112.
Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. This mid-sized public university is located in the town of Statesboro. There were roughly 64 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Ogeechee Technical College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Ogeechee Technical College generally make around $17,660. Typical student debt for the program is $11,894.
Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Ogeechee Technical College
Central Piedmont Community College ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Charlotte. There were roughly 77 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Central Piedmont Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Central Piedmont Community College earn around $40,629 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete this degree.
Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Central Piedmont Community College
Moraine Park Technical College placed #22 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Fond du Lac. There were roughly 32 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Moraine Park Technical College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Moraine Park Technical College earn around $39,552 in the first couple years of their career. Moraine Park Technical College graduates carry a median of $11,471 in student loans.
More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Moraine Park Technical College
Cape Fear Community College ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Wilmington. There were roughly 109 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Cape Fear Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Cape Fear Community College earn around $42,889 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,388.
Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Cape Fear Community College
Indian River State College landed the #24 spot for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the suburb of Fort Pierce, Indian River State College is a very large public university. Indian River State College awarded about 85 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Indian River State College generally make around $18,411. Students borrow a median of $9,540 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Indian River State College
Athens Technical College landed the #25 spot for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Athens Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Athens. There were roughly 121 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Athens Technical College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Athens Technical College generally make around $16,178. Typical student debt for the program is $8,000.
More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Athens Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s general cosmetology/cosmetologist ranking:
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 1126 schools evaluated.
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 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).
