11 Best Cosmetology Schools in 2024

Emily Griffith Technical College began as a dream in 1916. Emily Griffith, an educator from Colorado, wanted to open a public school for all who wished to learn. The Denver Board of Education provided the building, and Griffith opened the Opportunity School. Over the years, new programs opened to accommodate new job opportunities. The school’s cosmetology program is one of the most affordable, but there are still financial aid and scholarships available to those in need.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology– otherwise known as TCAT- is dedicated to preparing its student with real-world, marketable skills. Instructors focus on individualized instruction for their students, ensuring that each meets the necessary competencies before finishing the program.

Southeastern Technical College has been providing career training and prep since 1968. It has locations in both Swainsboro and Vidalia and offers several day and nighttime classes to suit your schedule. Some programs include dental assisting, HVAC, nursing, culinary arts, and cosmetology.

*Price listed is for in-state residents. Out-of-state tuition is typically almost double that of in-state tuition. 

The Avery James School of Cosmetology got its start as the Demmon School of Beauty in 1955. It changed hands several times before being purchased by Avery James, LLC in 2015. The school provides affordable tuition rates with the kit and textbooks included. If interested, the school offers virtual tours so you can get a real feel of the program.

Bridgerland Technical College was founded in Logan, Utah, in 1971. It is a public community college that helps to make up the Utah System of Technical Colleges. All programs offered at Bridgerland are designed to ensure its students pass competency and state-required exams. Additionally, they are open-entry, so you can start at the beginning of almost every month throughout the year. Many programs are completely free to take, and there is financial aid available to pay for the rest.

The Omega Institute of Cosmetology of Road Houma, LA, is a high-end salon clinic that provides cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, and teacher training. Students get real-world training by serving clients in the salon. When they complete the program, they can go out into their field with confidence as they have experience. As they are accredited, you can receive federal assistance for tuition.

Arkansas Tech University- ATU– was established in 1909 in Russellville, Arkansas. ATU offers bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees in everything from applied sciences to arts and humanities. The Ozark Campus provides associate degree certification programs, including cosmetology. Tuition is very affordable, and the available financial aid makes it even more so. Though many of ATU’s certification programs do require a kit, the specifics are not available on their site.

The Paul Mitchell School is one portion of the John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS). The founders of JPMS– John Paul DeJoria and Paul Mitchell– began their enterprise in Beverly Hills, California, but it has since spread around the country. They have about 100 schools in America that offer students comprehensive cosmetology programs, instructor programs, and makeup programs. Though they are not considered a “traditional” school, you can still receive financial aid and scholarships to help with tuition.

Northern Michigan University is located in Marquette, Michigan. Founded in 1899 as a small school for those wishing to be teachers, it now provides more than 170 degree programs. It’s set on a 360-acre campus offering such impressive features as a university theater, a large recreation complex, and more. NMU’s Technology and Occupational Sciences department provides a two-year comprehensive cosmetology program where students learn hair shaping, coloring, chemical texturizing, design, along with the artistic principles involved in skincare and make-up application. Additionally, training is available to become a licensed cosmetology instructor as well as specialized one-semester certificates in esthetics and manicure. To learn more, go to: https://nmu.edu/tos/cosmetology

*NMU has flat-rate tuition, which is set by the number of credits taken at a time. The tuition listed here may vary. 

If you live in or around Chicago, the Pivot Point Academy is a great option. It is located in Bloomingdale, Illinois, and is committed to providing locals with an education that prepares them for their field. Not only does the program teach nail care, hair care, esthetics, skincare, and makeup. It also teaches business skills that are necessary to run a salon.

The Minnesota School of Cosmetology began as the Minnesota Cosmetology Education Center (MCEC) in 1950. Since then, the training has adapted and diploma options, which include a comprehensive ten-month cosmetology program, a five-month esthiology program, and a five-month massage therapy program. You can choose to complete them on a half time schedule, if necessary. The Minnesota School of Cosmetology offers its students ongoing career assistance after program completion.