2026 Best Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, & Nail Instructor Schools

1

Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WI

Our analysis ranked Gateway Technical College the best school in the country for a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor. Gateway Technical College is a large public school located in the city of Kenosha. About 56 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees were awarded at Gateway Technical College in the most recent year. Cosmetology, Barber/styling, & Nail Instructor graduates of Gateway Technical College earn a median of $42,410 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $7,958 to complete this degree. Read more about the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program at Gateway Technical College

2

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Aguadilla
Aguadilla, PR

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Aguadilla is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor, ranking #2. Set in the suburb of Aguadilla, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Aguadilla is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 31%. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Aguadilla awarded about 21 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree recipients from Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Aguadilla generally make around $18,974. Students borrow a median of $7,269 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor from Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Aguadilla

3

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German
San German, PR

A rank of #3 makes Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German one of the top schools for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor. Located in the suburb of San German, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German graduates 37% of students within six years. There were roughly 14 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor students who graduated with this degree at Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German in the most recent data year. Cosmetology, Barber/styling, & Nail Instructor graduates of Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German earn a median of $17,234 early in their careers. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German graduates carry a median of $11,821 in student loans. See the full cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program report for Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German

4

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon
Bayamon, PR

A rank of #4 makes Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon one of the top schools for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bayamon. The six-year graduation rate is 29%. About 13 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees were awarded at Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree recipients from Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon generally make around $22,810. Students borrow a median of $10,051 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor from Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon

5

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas
Barranquitas, PR

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Barranquitas, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas is a small private not-for-profit university. Roughly 32% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 12 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees were awarded at Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas in the most recent year. Cosmetology, Barber/styling, & Nail Instructor graduates of Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas earn a median of $12,170 early in their careers. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas graduates carry a median of $4,217 in student loans. More information about a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor from Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas

6

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo
Fajardo, PR

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor schools. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Fajardo. The six-year graduation rate is 32%. There were roughly 11 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor students who graduated with this degree at Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo in the most recent data year. Graduates of the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program make about $5,087 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor from Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo

7

Hair Professionals Academy Of Cosmetology
Schaumburg, IL

Hair Professionals Academy Of Cosmetology earned the #7 position for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor this year. This small private for-profit university is located in the city of Schaumburg. About 11 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees were awarded at Hair Professionals Academy Of Cosmetology in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree recipients from Hair Professionals Academy Of Cosmetology generally make around $21,461. Hair Professionals Academy Of Cosmetology graduates carry a median of $7,917 in student loans. More information about a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor from Hair Professionals Academy Of Cosmetology

8

Empire Beauty School Hooksett
Hooksett, NH

Empire Beauty School Hooksett ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor schools. Set in the suburb of Hooksett, Empire Beauty School Hooksett is a small private for-profit institution. Empire Beauty School Hooksett awarded about 10 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree recipients from Empire Beauty School Hooksett generally make around $24,089. Typical student debt for the program is $9,833. More information about a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor from Empire Beauty School Hooksett

9

Avalon Institute Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

Avalon Institute Las Vegas landed the #9 spot for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor this year. Set in the suburb of Las Vegas, Avalon Institute Las Vegas is a small private for-profit institution. About 11 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees were awarded at Avalon Institute Las Vegas in the most recent year. Graduates of the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program make about $21,496 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $8,081 to complete this degree. Read more about the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program at Avalon Institute Las Vegas

10

Paul Mitchell The School Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

Paul Mitchell The School Missouri Columbia earned the #10 position for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor this year. This small private for-profit university is located in the city of Columbia. There were roughly 20 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor students who graduated with this degree at Paul Mitchell The School Missouri Columbia in the most recent data year. Graduates of the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program make about $22,267 in their early career. Paul Mitchell The School Missouri Columbia graduates carry a median of $9,833 in student loans. Read more about the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program at Paul Mitchell The School Missouri Columbia

11

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Guayama
Guayama, PR

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Guayama came in at #11 for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Guayama. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Guayama awarded about 11 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree from Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Guayama earn around $25,972 in the first couple years of their career. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Guayama graduates carry a median of $9,109 in student loans. See the full cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program report for Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Guayama

12

Paul Mitchell The School San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

Paul Mitchell The School San Antonio earned the #12 position for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor this year. This small private for-profit university is located in the city of San Antonio. There were roughly 12 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor students who graduated with this degree at Paul Mitchell The School San Antonio in the most recent data year. Cosmetology, Barber/styling, & Nail Instructor graduates of Paul Mitchell The School San Antonio earn a median of $20,500 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $9,833. Read more about the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program at Paul Mitchell The School San Antonio

13

Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett
Everett, WA

Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor schools. This small private for-profit university is located in the city of Everett. About 36 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees were awarded at Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett in the most recent year. Graduates of the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program make about $23,420 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $9,164 to complete this degree. Read more about the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program at Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett

14

Georgia Career Institute
Conyers, GA

Georgia Career Institute earned the #14 position for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor this year. Georgia Career Institute is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Conyers. Georgia Career Institute awarded about 10 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree from Georgia Career Institute earn around $17,041 in the first couple years of their career. Georgia Career Institute graduates carry a median of $10,222 in student loans. Read more about the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program at Georgia Career Institute

15

Paul Mitchell The School Columbia
West Columbia, SC

Paul Mitchell The School Columbia placed #15 among the best cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor schools. This small private for-profit university is located in the suburb of West Columbia. About 35 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees were awarded at Paul Mitchell The School Columbia in the most recent year. Students who receive their cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree from Paul Mitchell The School Columbia earn around $19,583 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,833. More information about a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor from Paul Mitchell The School Columbia

16

Hacienda La Puente Adult Education
La Puente, CA

Hacienda La Puente Adult Education came in at #16 for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor this year. Set in the suburb of La Puente, Hacienda La Puente Adult Education is a small public institution. Hacienda La Puente Adult Education awarded about 91 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree from Hacienda La Puente Adult Education earn around $9,467 in the first couple years of their career. Get the full cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor details for Hacienda La Puente Adult Education

17

American Beauty College
West Covina, CA

American Beauty College came in at #17 for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor this year. This small private for-profit university is located in the suburb of West Covina. There were roughly 12 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor students who graduated with this degree at American Beauty College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree from American Beauty College earn around $18,085 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $6,091. See the full cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program report for American Beauty College

18

Dmart Institute
Barranquitas, PR

Dmart Institute placed #18 among the best cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor schools. This small private for-profit university is located in the suburb of Barranquitas. About 45 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees were awarded at Dmart Institute in the most recent year. Graduates of the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program make about $7,908 in their early career. See the full cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program report for Dmart Institute

19

John Amico School Of Hair Design
Oak Forest, IL

John Amico School Of Hair Design ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor schools. John Amico School Of Hair Design is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Oak Forest. About 30 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees were awarded at John Amico School Of Hair Design in the most recent year. Graduates of the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program make about $13,217 in their early career. John Amico School Of Hair Design graduates carry a median of $12,757 in student loans. Get the full cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor details for John Amico School Of Hair Design

20

Fred W Eberle Technical Center
Buckhannon, WV

Fred W Eberle Technical Center came in at #20 for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor this year. Located in the town of Buckhannon, Fred W Eberle Technical Center is a small public university. Fred W Eberle Technical Center awarded about 19 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree from Fred W Eberle Technical Center earn around $34,661 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $8,750 to complete this degree. Get the full cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor details for Fred W Eberle Technical Center

21

Academy Of Hair Design Lufkin
Lufkin, TX

Academy Of Hair Design Lufkin ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor schools. Located in the town of Lufkin, Academy Of Hair Design Lufkin is a small private for-profit university. There were roughly 10 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor students who graduated with this degree at Academy Of Hair Design Lufkin in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degree recipients from Academy Of Hair Design Lufkin generally make around $14,039. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor from Academy Of Hair Design Lufkin

22

Larry S Barber College
Chicago, IL

Larry S Barber College landed the #22 spot for cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Larry S Barber College is a small private for-profit university. Larry S Barber College awarded about 14 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program make about $12,461 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $3,726 to complete this degree. Get the full cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor details for Larry S Barber College

23

Networks Barber College
Calumet City, IL

Networks Barber College placed #23 among the best cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor schools. This small private for-profit university is located in the suburb of Calumet City. About 25 cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor degrees were awarded at Networks Barber College in the most recent year. Graduates of the cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program make about $12,028 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,377. See the full cosmetology, barber/styling, & nail instructor program report for Networks Barber College