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

3 Colleges in the United States
8,442 General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Degrees Awarded
$22,700 Avg Early-Career Salary

General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 217 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 Southwest Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist

1
Lee College crest
Lee College
Baytown, TX

Lee College tops our 2026 ranking of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Set in the city of Baytown, Lee College is a large public institution. Lee College awarded about 98 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Lee College generally make around $14,727. Lee College graduates carry a median of $10,941 in student loans. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Lee College

2

Wharton County Junior College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist, ranking #2. Located in the town of Wharton, Wharton County Junior College is a moderately-sized public university. Wharton County Junior College awarded about 55 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Wharton County Junior College earn around $19,087 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $5,500. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Wharton County Junior College

3
Lone Star College System crest
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX

Students looking for a strong general cosmetology/cosmetologist program will find one at Lone Star College System, which ranked #3. Set in the city of The Woodlands, Lone Star College System is a very large public institution. There were roughly 62 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Lone Star College System in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Lone Star College System earn a median of $18,887 early in their careers. Lone Star College System graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Lone Star College System

4

San Jacinto Community College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist, ranking #4. Located in the city of Pasadena, San Jacinto Community College is a very large public university. San Jacinto Community College awarded about 190 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $15,655 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $8,791 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from San Jacinto Community College

5

Mclennan Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Mclennan Community College is a large public school located in the city of Waco. Mclennan Community College awarded about 45 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Mclennan Community College earn a median of $16,879 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $5,776 to complete this degree. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Mclennan Community College

6

Central New Mexico Community College earned the #6 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Set in the city of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public institution. Central New Mexico Community College awarded about 31 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Central New Mexico Community College earn around $16,496 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete this degree. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Central New Mexico Community College

7
Texarkana College crest
Texarkana College
Texarkana, TX

Texarkana College earned the #7 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the city of Texarkana, Texarkana College is a mid-sized public university. There were roughly 31 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Texarkana College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Texarkana College generally make around $33,707. Students borrow a median of $5,450 to complete this degree. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Texarkana College

8
College Of The Mainland crest
College Of The Mainland
Texas City, TX

College Of The Mainland landed the #8 spot for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the city of Texas City, College Of The Mainland is a moderately-sized public university. There were roughly 46 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at College Of The Mainland in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from College Of The Mainland earn around $18,495 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $5,711 to complete this degree. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for College Of The Mainland

9
Howard College crest
Howard College
Big Spring, TX

Howard College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Located in the town of Big Spring, Howard College is a mid-sized public university. About 51 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Howard College in the most recent year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $13,529 in their early career. Howard College graduates carry a median of $14,242 in student loans. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Howard College

10
Grayson College crest
Grayson College
Denison, TX

Grayson College placed #10 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the rural area of Denison. About 41 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Grayson College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Grayson College generally make around $18,598. Students borrow a median of $11,627 to complete this degree. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Grayson College

11
Navarro College crest
Navarro College
Corsicana, TX

Navarro College placed #11 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Navarro College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Corsicana. Navarro College awarded about 60 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Navarro College earn a median of $20,857 early in their careers. Navarro College graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Navarro College

12

Lamar Institute Of Technology landed the #12 spot for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the city of Beaumont, Lamar Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized public university. Lamar Institute Of Technology awarded about 29 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $50,068 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $14,278 to complete this degree. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Lamar Institute Of Technology

13
Midland College crest
Midland College
Midland, TX

Midland College came in at #13 for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the city of Midland, Midland College is a moderately-sized public university. About 34 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Midland College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Midland College generally make around $43,454. Midland College graduates carry a median of $9,000 in student loans. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for Midland College

14
Odessa College crest
Odessa College
Odessa, TX

Odessa College came in at #14 for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the city of Odessa, Odessa College is a large public university. About 83 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Odessa College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Odessa College generally make around $47,856. Odessa College graduates carry a median of $9,087 in student loans. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Odessa College

15

North Central Texas College earned the #15 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the town of Gainesville, North Central Texas College is a large public university. About 32 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at North Central Texas College in the most recent year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of North Central Texas College earn a median of $10,963 early in their careers. North Central Texas College graduates carry a median of $6,812 in student loans. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for North Central Texas College

16
Vernon College crest
Vernon College
Vernon, TX

Vernon College earned the #16 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Vernon College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Vernon. Vernon College awarded about 26 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Vernon College earn around $45,097 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,513. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Vernon College

17
Weatherford College crest
Weatherford College
Weatherford, TX

Weatherford College placed #17 among the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. Weatherford College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Weatherford. About 68 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Weatherford College in the most recent year. General Cosmetology/cosmetologist graduates of Weatherford College earn a median of $48,208 early in their careers. Weatherford College graduates carry a median of $14,099 in student loans. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Weatherford College

18
San Juan College crest
San Juan College
Farmington, NM

San Juan College landed the #18 spot for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. San Juan College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Farmington. There were roughly 33 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at San Juan College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from San Juan College earn around $41,697 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,150. Get the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist details for San Juan College

19
South Plains College crest
South Plains College
Levelland, TX

South Plains College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. This large public university is located in the town of Levelland. South Plains College awarded about 85 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $11,557 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,000. More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from South Plains College

20
Kilgore College crest
Kilgore College
Kilgore, TX

Kilgore College earned the #20 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the town of Kilgore, Kilgore College is a moderately-sized public university. There were roughly 93 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Kilgore College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $15,957 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,500. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Kilgore College

21

Northland Pioneer College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools. This mid-sized public university is located in the rural area of Holbrook. About 35 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Northland Pioneer College in the most recent year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Northland Pioneer College earn around $44,117 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $8,680 to complete this degree. See the full general cosmetology/cosmetologist program report for Northland Pioneer College

22
Palo Alto College crest
Palo Alto College
San Antonio, TX

Palo Alto College earned the #22 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. This large public university is located in the city of San Antonio. There were roughly 87 general cosmetology/cosmetologist students who graduated with this degree at Palo Alto College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree recipients from Palo Alto College generally make around $29,062. Palo Alto College graduates carry a median of $9,430 in student loans. More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Palo Alto College

23
Galveston College crest
Galveston College
Galveston, TX

Galveston College came in at #23 for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Located in the city of Galveston, Galveston College is a mid-sized public university. About 26 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees were awarded at Galveston College in the most recent year. Students who receive their general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree from Galveston College earn around $51,165 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $15,183 to complete this degree. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Galveston College

24

Lamar State College Orange landed the #24 spot for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. Lamar State College Orange is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Orange. Lamar State College Orange awarded about 33 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $45,299 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $18,506. More information about a degree in general cosmetology/cosmetologist from Lamar State College Orange

25

Clovis Community College earned the #25 position for general cosmetology/cosmetologist this year. This mid-sized public university is located in the town of Clovis. Clovis Community College awarded about 67 general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program make about $44,390 in their early career. Clovis Community College graduates carry a median of $11,082 in student loans. Read more about the general cosmetology/cosmetologist program at Clovis Community College

Rest of the Top 50 General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong general cosmetology/cosmetologist education:

26
27
Panola College crest
Panola College
Carthage, TX
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Del Mar College crest
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX
35
36
37
38
39
Cisco College crest
Cisco College
Cisco, TX
40
Hill College crest
Hill College
Hillsboro, TX
41
Coastal Bend College crest
Coastal Bend College
Beeville, TX
42
43
Ranger College crest
Ranger College
Ranger, TX
44
45
Penrose Academy crest
Penrose Academy
Scottsdale, AZ
46
47
48
49
50

Narrow General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Schools by State

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 217 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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