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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Schools in the Southeast Region

6 Colleges in the United States
16,523 General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Degrees Awarded
$22,217 Avg Early-Career Salary

General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 446 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for general cosmetology/cosmetologist students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist in the Southeast Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall general cosmetology/cosmetologist education in the Southeast Region.

Top Schools in General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

1

Our analysis ranked Palm Beach State College the best school in the country for a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist. Set in the suburb of Lake Worth, Palm Beach State College is a very large public institution. There were roughly 62 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Palm Beach State College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Palm Beach State College generally make around $24,361. Typical student debt for the program is $9,500. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Palm Beach State College

2
Daytona State College crest
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, FL

A rank of #2 makes Daytona State College one of the top schools for general cosmetology/cosmetologist. Daytona State College is a large public school located in the city of Daytona Beach. Daytona State College awarded about 121 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $20,212 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $5,807 to complete this degree. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Daytona State College

3

A rank of #3 makes Ogeechee Technical College one of the top schools for general cosmetology/cosmetologist. Ogeechee Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Statesboro. Ogeechee Technical College awarded about 78 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Ogeechee Technical College earn a median of $17,660 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $11,894 to complete this degree. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Ogeechee Technical College

4

Students looking for a strong general cosmetology/cosmetologist program will find one at Southern Crescent Technical College, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Griffin, Southern Crescent Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Southern Crescent Technical College awarded about 199 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Southern Crescent Technical College earn a median of $45,062 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $17,619. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Southern Crescent Technical College

5

Pensacola State College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist, ranking #5. Set in the city of Pensacola, Pensacola State College is a large public institution. There were roughly 55 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Pensacola State College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $23,911 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $5,500. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Pensacola State College

6

Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins earned the #6 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Set in the city of Warner Robins, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a large public institution. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins awarded about 246 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins earn around $39,765 in the first couple years of their career. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins graduates carry a median of $7,217 in student loans. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins

7

South Georgia Technical College placed #7 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Located in the town of Americus, South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public university. South Georgia Technical College awarded about 15 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from South Georgia Technical College generally make around $20,501. Students borrow a median of $10,423 to complete this degree. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for South Georgia Technical College

8

Fayetteville Technical Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Fayetteville Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Fayetteville. There were roughly 38 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Fayetteville Technical Community College in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Fayetteville Technical Community College earn a median of $40,584 early in their careers. Fayetteville Technical Community College graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Fayetteville Technical Community College

9

Florida State College At Jacksonville earned the #9 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the city of Jacksonville, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a very large public university. There were roughly 44 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Florida State College At Jacksonville in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $29,668 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,577 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Florida State College At Jacksonville

10

Indian River State College came in at #10 for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Fort Pierce. About 36 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Indian River State College in the most recent year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Indian River State College earn around $18,411 in the first couple years of their career. Indian River State College graduates carry a median of $9,540 in student loans. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Indian River State College

11

Central Piedmont Community College earned the #11 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public institution. There were roughly 69 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Central Piedmont Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $40,629 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,861. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Central Piedmont Community College

12
Lanier Technical College crest
Lanier Technical College
Gainesville, GA

Lanier Technical College placed #12 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Lanier Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Gainesville. About 149 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Lanier Technical College in the most recent year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Lanier Technical College earn a median of $22,686 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $12,278. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Lanier Technical College

13

Wake Technical Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Wake Technical Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Raleigh. Wake Technical Community College awarded about 20 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Wake Technical Community College earn around $23,286 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $7,693 to complete this degree. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Wake Technical Community College

14

Athens Technical College landed the #14 spot for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Athens. About 94 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Athens Technical College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Athens Technical College generally make around $16,178. Athens Technical College graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Athens Technical College

15

Columbus Technical College earned the #15 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Columbus Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Columbus Technical College awarded about 64 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Columbus Technical College earn a median of $19,094 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,845 to complete this degree. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Columbus Technical College

16

East Central Community College landed the #16 spot for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the rural area of Decatur, East Central Community College is a mid-sized public university. There were roughly 19 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at East Central Community College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from East Central Community College generally make around $32,981. Students borrow a median of $6,382 to complete this degree. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for East Central Community College

17

Cape Fear Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Set in the city of Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College is a very large public institution. About 77 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Cape Fear Community College in the most recent year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Cape Fear Community College earn a median of $42,889 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $12,388. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Cape Fear Community College

18

Mitchell Community College came in at #18 for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the town of Statesville, Mitchell Community College is a mid-sized public university. About 37 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Mitchell Community College in the most recent year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Mitchell Community College earn a median of $40,450 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $6,313 to complete this degree. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Mitchell Community College

19

Northwest Mississippi Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Northwest Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Senatobia. There were roughly 39 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Northwest Mississippi Community College in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Northwest Mississippi Community College earn a median of $17,660 early in their careers. Northwest Mississippi Community College graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Northwest Mississippi Community College

20

Catawba Valley Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Catawba Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Hickory. There were roughly 17 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Catawba Valley Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $16,506 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,842. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Catawba Valley Community College

21

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Located in the rural area of Valdosta, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. There were roughly 254 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College earn around $19,659 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $10,864. More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

22

Georgia Northwestern Technical College placed #22 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Rome. There were roughly 237 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Georgia Northwestern Technical College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Georgia Northwestern Technical College generally make around $41,229. Students borrow a median of $8,492 to complete this degree. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College

23

Southern Regional Technical College came in at #23 for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Set in the town of Thomasville, Southern Regional Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. There were roughly 205 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Southern Regional Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $15,168 in their early career. Southern Regional Technical College graduates carry a median of $9,086 in student loans. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Southern Regional Technical College

24

Central Carolina Community College placed #24 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Located in the town of Sanford, Central Carolina Community College is a moderately-sized public university. There were roughly 38 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Central Carolina Community College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Central Carolina Community College generally make around $24,101. Typical student debt for the program is $12,167. More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Central Carolina Community College

25

Chattahoochee Technical College placed #25 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Located in the suburb of Marietta, Chattahoochee Technical College is a large public university. Chattahoochee Technical College awarded about 137 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Chattahoochee Technical College earn around $16,767 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,500. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Chattahoochee Technical College

Rest of the Top 50 General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s general cosmetology/cosmetologist ranking:

26
27
28
29
Gwinnett Technical College crest
Gwinnett Technical College
Lawrenceville, GA
30
31
32
Arkansas Tech University crest
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Campbellsville University crest
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY
45
46
47
48
49
50

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 446 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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