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2025 Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Schools

20 Colleges in the United States
1,324 Associate Degrees
$17,680 Avg Early-Career Salary
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 looked at 20 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 1,324 associate degrees in cosmetology to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

Choosing a Great Cosmetology School for Your Associate Degree

Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Schools Your choice of cosmetology for getting your associate degree school matters. This section explores some of the factors we include in our ranking and how much they vary depending on the school you select. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:

Overall Quality Is a Must

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To account for this we include a school's overall Best Colleges ranking which itself looks at a collection of different factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

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

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

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

One Size Does Not Fit All

Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
More Cosmetology Rankings Other Ranking Categories

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you.

Best Schools for Associate Students to Study Cosmetology in the United States

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

10 Top Schools for an Associate in Cosmetology

1
14 Annual Graduates

Central Carolina Community College is one of the best schools in the United States for getting an associate degree in cosmetology. Central Carolina Community College is a moderately-sized public college located in the distant town of Sanford.More information about a associate in cosmetology from Central Carolina Community College

2
18 Annual Graduates

Any student pursuing a degree in an associate degree in cosmetology needs to look into Johnson County Community College. JCCC is a fairly large public college located in the midsize city of Overland Park.More information about a associate in cosmetology from Johnson County Community College

3
14 Annual Graduates

It is hard to beat San Jacinto Community College if you wish to pursue an associate degree in cosmetology. Located in the medium-sized city of Pasadena, San Jacinto College is a public college with a very large student population.More information about a associate in cosmetology from San Jacinto Community College

4

Clover Park Technical College is a great decision for students pursuing an associate degree in cosmetology. Located in the city of Lakewood, CPTC is a public college with a small student population.

Students who graduate with their associate from the cosmetology program report average early career wages of $19,389.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Clover Park Technical College

5

Houston Community College is a fairly large public college located in the large city of Houston.

Associate students who receive their degree from the cosmetology program make about $15,372 in their early career salary.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Houston Community College

6
25 Annual Graduates

Located in the large city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in cosmetology from Central Piedmont Community College

7
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA
28 Annual Graduates

Golden West College is a large public college located in the large suburb of Huntington Beach.More information about a associate in cosmetology from Golden West College

8
Ridgewater College crest
Ridgewater College
Willmar, MN
10 Annual Graduates

Located in the town of Willmar, Ridgewater College is a public college with a small student population.More information about a associate in cosmetology from Ridgewater College

9
13 Annual Graduates

Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose City College is a public college with a medium-sized student population.More information about a associate in cosmetology from San Jose City College

10
19 Annual Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Fayetteville, FTCC is a public college with a fairly large student population.More information about a associate in cosmetology from Fayetteville Technical Community College

Cosmetology by Region

View the Best Cosmetology Associate Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

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Cosmetology is one of 4 different types of Personal & Culinary Services programs to choose from.

Cosmetology Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist 953
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager 201
Make-Up Artist/Specialist 69
Aesthetician/Esthetician & Skin Care Specialist 62
Barbering/Barber 22
Master Aesthetician/Esthetician 8
Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist 5
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, & Nail Instructor 4

Majors Similar to Cosmetology

Related Major Annual Graduates
Culinary Arts 7,039
Funeral & Mortuary Science 1,656
Other Personal & Culinary Services 6

Notes and References

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