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2022 Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Cosmetology

154 Colleges in the United States
992 Associate Degrees
$14,209 Avg Early-Career Salary
Cosmetology is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #90 most popular associate degree program in the country. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

College Factual looked at 154 colleges and universities when compiling its 2022 Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Cosmetology ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 992 associate degrees in cosmetology during the 2019-2020 academic year.

What's on this page: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Cosmetology School for Your Associate Degree

Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Cosmetology The cosmetology associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. One of the reasons we created our Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Cosmetology ranking is to help you make that choice.

A high popularity ranking isn't always a sign that a school has a great overall quality ranking for cosmetology, but it does mean that many students are choosing the school for some reason. This may be due to it being a great value, it offering a stellar educational experience, or the subject is a major focus of the school.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Bachelor's Degrees in Cosmetology
Overall Popularity in Cosmetology

This ranking is just one of the many we have created. First of all, if you are interested in other degree levels, you may want to take a look at one of the rankings highlighted above. Also, if you are interested in attending school in a specific part of the country, see our rankings by location. On top of that, you can visit our other rankings for cosmetology.

Below you'll see a list of the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing an associate degree in cosmetology. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

23 Most Well Attended Schools for Cosmetology Students Working on Their Associate

1
70 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In PA
#1 Best Quality In PA

Douglas Education Center is one of the most popular schools in the United States for getting an associate degree in cosmetology. Douglas Education Center is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Monessen. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 70 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at Douglas Education Center in the most recent data year.

Associate recipients from the cosmetology degree program at Douglas Education Center get $2,091 above the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Douglas Education Center

2
53 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WA
#1 Best Quality In WA

Clover Park Technical College is a popular choice for individuals pursuing an associate degree in cosmetology. Located in the small city of Lakewood, CPTC is a public college with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in Washington.

There were approximately 53 cosmetology individuals who graduated with this degree at CPTC in the most recent year we have data available.

Cosmetology associate degree recipients from Clover Park Technical College get an earnings boost of approximately $5,591 over the typical earnings of cosmetology graduates.

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

3
35 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#2 Best Quality In TX

Every student pursuing a degree in an associate degree in cosmetology needs to check out Houston Community College. Houston Community College is a very large public college located in the city of Houston. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in Texas.

There were roughly 35 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at Houston Community College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Houston Community College

4
28 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In TX
#1 Best Quality In TX

San Jacinto Community College is one of the most popular schools in the country for getting an associate degree in cosmetology. Located in the suburb of Pasadena, San Jacinto College is a public college with a very large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in Texas.

There were approximately 28 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at San Jacinto College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from San Jacinto Community College

4
28 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at Gadsden State Community College if you want to pursue an associate degree in cosmetology. GSCC is a small public college located in the city of Gadsden.

There were approximately 28 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at GSCC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Gadsden State Community College

6
25 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In AL
#1 Best Quality In AL

Wallace State, Hanceville is a small public college located in the town of Hanceville. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in Alabama.

There were about 25 cosmetology individuals who graduated with this degree at Wallace State, Hanceville in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Wallace State Community College, Hanceville

7
21 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NC
#3 Best Quality In NC

Located in the midsize city of Fayetteville, FTCC is a public college with a large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in North Carolina.

There were approximately 21 cosmetology individuals who graduated with this degree at FTCC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Fayetteville Technical Community College

8
19 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NC
#1 Best Quality In NC

Wake Technical Community College is a fairly large public college located in the suburb of Raleigh. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in North Carolina.

There were roughly 19 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at Wake Technical Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Wake Technical Community College

8
Palo Alto College crest
Palo Alto College
San Antonio, TX
19 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In TX
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the city of San Antonio, Palo Alto College is a public college with a fairly large student population.

There were approximately 19 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at Palo Alto College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Palo Alto College

10
18 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In AL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

NW-SCC is a small public college located in the small city of Muscle Shoals.

There were about 18 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at NW-SCC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Northwest-Shoals Community College

11
Citrus College crest
Citrus College
Glendora, CA
17 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#2 Best Quality In CA

Citrus College is a fairly large public college located in the suburb of Glendora. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in California.

There were about 17 cosmetology individuals who graduated with this degree at Citrus College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Citrus College

11
17 Annual Associate Degrees
#4 Most Popular In AL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Northeast is a small public college located in the rural area of Rainsville.

There were roughly 17 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at Northeast in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Northeast Alabama Community College

13
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA
16 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

Golden West College is a fairly large public college located in the suburb of Huntington Beach. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in California.

There were about 16 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at Golden West College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Golden West College

14
15 Annual Associate Degrees
#5 Most Popular In AL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the midsize city of Tuscaloosa, Shelton State Community College is a public college with a small student population.

There were roughly 15 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at Shelton State Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Shelton State Community College

14
15 Annual Associate Degrees
#5 Most Popular In AL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the distant town of Jasper, Bevill State Community College is a public college with a small student population.

There were about 15 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at Bevill State Community College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Bevill State Community College

16
14 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NC
#2 Best Quality In NC

Located in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in North Carolina.

There were approximately 14 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at Central Piedmont Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Central Piedmont Community College

16
14 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NM
#1 Best Quality In NM

CNM is a very large public college located in the large city of Albuquerque. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in New Mexico.

There were approximately 14 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at CNM in the most recent year we have data available.

Soon after graduating, cosmetology associate recipients typically earn about $15,500 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Central New Mexico Community College

18
13 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In HI
#1 Best Quality In HI

Located in the large city of Honolulu, Honolulu CC is a public college with a small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in Hawaii.

There were approximately 13 cosmetology individuals who graduated with this degree at Honolulu CC in the most recent data year.

Associate students who receive their degree from the cosmetology program make an average of $11,800 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Honolulu Community College

18
Fullerton College crest
Fullerton College
Fullerton, CA
13 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the suburb of Fullerton, Fullerton College is a public college with a very large student population.

There were roughly 13 cosmetology individuals who graduated with this degree at Fullerton College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Fullerton College

18
Eastern Wyoming College crest
Eastern Wyoming College
Torrington, WY
13 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WY
#1 Best Quality In WY

Eastern Wyoming College is a small public college located in the town of Torrington. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in Wyoming.

There were approximately 13 cosmetology individuals who graduated with this degree at Eastern Wyoming College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Eastern Wyoming College

18
13 Annual Associate Degrees
#4 Most Popular In NC
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

WPCC is a small public college located in the city of Morganton.

There were about 13 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at WPCC in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Western Piedmont Community College

18
13 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In WA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the small city of Walla Walla, Walla Walla Community College is a public college with a small student population.

There were approximately 13 cosmetology individuals who graduated with this degree at Walla Walla Community College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Walla Walla Community College

18
13 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In WA
#2 Best Quality In WA

Located in the city of Spokane, Spokane Community College is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in cosmetology in Washington.

There were about 13 cosmetology students who graduated with this degree at Spokane Community College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in cosmetology from Spokane Community College

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Cosmetology students that almost earned our Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Cosmetology award.

Rank College Location
27 Remington College - Cleveland Campus Cleveland, OH
27 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Salisbury, NC
27 College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, IL
27 Northland Pioneer College Holbrook, AZ
27 Butte College Oroville, CA
24 Gaston College Dallas, NC
24 Riverside City College Riverside, CA
24 Sacramento City College Sacramento, CA

Cosmetology by Region

View the Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Cosmetology for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Cosmetology is one of 3 different types of Personal & Culinary Services programs to choose from.

Cosmetology Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist 730
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager 138
Make-Up Artist/Specialist 77
Aesthetician/Esthetician & Skin Care Specialist 33
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, & Nail Instructor 13
Barbering/Barber 1

Majors Similar to Cosmetology

Related Major Annual Graduates
Culinary Arts 7,304
Funeral & Mortuary Science 1,398
Other Personal & Culinary Services 3

Notes and References

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