Most cosmetology program projects cost between $10,000 and $30,000 per program, with a typical price near $18,000. Prices vary by state and city, so the range below is a planning guide rather than a quote.
Typical cosmetology program cost
$10,000 – $30,000
per program · typical $18,000
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Cosmetology program cost breakdown
- Public technical school$10,000 – $20,000typical $15,000
- Private beauty school$18,000 – $30,000typical $25,000
- Fast-track program$12,000 – $22,000typical $17,000
What Cosmetology Programs costs
Covers tuition for a state-licensed cosmetology program, typically 1,500 hours and 9-12 months. Includes kits, textbooks, and some licensing fees. Costs vary by school and location.
Costs by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently asked questions
What's the average cosmetology school cost?
Typically $10,000–$30,000 for tuition and fees. Private schools are pricier but may offer more modern facilities.
What's included?
Tuition, student kit (brushes, tools), textbooks, and sometimes salon supplies. Licensing exam fees may be extra.
How to pay for it?
Federal financial aid, scholarships, and beauty school-specific loans. Some schools offer payment plans.