In making our selection of the top beauty academies in each state, we considered the 12 things that are most important to student cosmetologists:
- Graduation Rate: More than half of students finish the program on time
- Student Debt: The median level of debt at graduation is less than 60 percent of the program cost
- Success Rate: More than 75 percent of graduates find work in the field
- Job Placement: Job placement or career services are offered
- Veteran Benefits: Veteran’s Administration benefits are accepted
- Cutting System: School has a hair-cutting system over and above state required training
- Community: School maintains involvement with the local community (volunteering, charity events, etc)
- Facilities: Cool and up-to-date training facilities
- Scholarships: Scholarships available to prospective students
- Business Training: Specialized salon business training offered with the curriculum
- Value: Schools that offer rigorous programs that satisfy board requirements for licensure at a price that is lower than the overall average for all schools on the list
- Wow Factor: Whether it is the great price, exceptional instructors, or over-the-top customer service, schools that made us say, “Wow!”