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2025 Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Schools in California

4 Colleges in California
257 Associate Degrees
Cosmetology is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #81 most popular associate degree program in the country. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

College Factual reviewed 4 schools in California to determine which ones were the best for associate degree seekers in the field of cosmetology. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 257 associate degrees in cosmetology during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology

Choosing a Great Cosmetology School for Your Associate Degree

Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Schools in California The cosmetology associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality cosmetology program can vary widely even among the top schools. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:

Overall Quality Is a Must

The overall quality of a associate degree school is important to ensure a quality education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.

Average Early-Career Salaries

To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving their associate degree from the school. After all, your associate degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.

Other Factors We Consider

In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:

Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for cosmetology students working on their associate degree.

More Ways to Rank Cosmetology Schools

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More Cosmetology Rankings Other Ranking Categories

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Schools in California ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

Best Schools for Associate Students to Study Cosmetology in California

Learn about the top ranked colleges and universities for cosmetology students seeking a an associate degree.

Top California Schools for an Associate in Cosmetology

1
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA
28 Annual Graduates

It's difficult to beat Golden West College if you wish to pursue an associate degree in cosmetology. Located in the large suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a public college with a large student population.More information about a associate in cosmetology from Golden West College

2
13 Annual Graduates

San Jose City College is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting an associate degree in cosmetology. San Jose City College is a medium-sized public college located in the large city of San Jose.More information about a associate in cosmetology from San Jose City College

3
17 Annual Graduates

Riverside City College is a wonderful decision for individuals pursuing an associate degree in cosmetology. Located in the city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a public college with a very large student population.More information about a associate in cosmetology from Riverside City College

4
22 Annual Graduates

It is hard to beat Los Angeles Trade Technical College if you wish to pursue an associate degree in cosmetology. Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a fairly large public college located in the city of Los Angeles.More information about a associate in cosmetology from Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Best Cosmetology Colleges in the Far Western US Region

Explore all the Best Cosmetology Schools in the Far Western US Area or other specific states within that region.

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Oregon 147 11
Washington 131 152
Hawaii 59 20

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One of 4 majors within the Personal & Culinary Services area of study, Cosmetology has other similar majors worth exploring.

Cosmetology Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist 257

Majors Similar to Cosmetology

Related Major Annual Graduates
Culinary Arts 485
Funeral & Mortuary Science 61

Notes and References

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