14 schools · Virginia
Cosmetology and barber schools in Virginia
14 schools in Virginia offer cosmetology and barbering programs, all private, with 14 certificate and 0 associate programs between them. Graduates of the typical certificate program here earned $24,138 a year after finishing, compared with $23,112 nationally.
All cosmetology and barbering programs in Virginia
Sorted by earnings one year after graduation. Click a heading to sort; tuition is the school's yearly tuition and fees (2025-26), in-state for public schools.
| School | Type | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt | School tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Esthetic InstituteVienna, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 146 | $44,457 | $38,044 | $6,333 | $10,000 |
| Lotus Professional CollegeRichmond, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 83 | $34,327 | n/a | $6,333 | $9,300 |
| Eastern Virginia Career CollegeFredericksburg, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 38 | $32,463 | $31,895 | $7,917 | $34,950 |
| The Chrysm Institute of EstheticsVirginia Beach, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 247 | $28,573 | $31,213 | $6,333 | $10,650 |
| Rudy & Kelly Academy A Paul Mitchell Partner SchoolVirginia Beach, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 105 | $24,364 | $32,153 | $9,833 | $14,575 |
| Empire Beauty School-MidlothianMidlothian, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 27 | $24,138 | $27,578 | $10,493 | $13,600 |
| Empire Beauty School-Newport NewsNewport News, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 22 | $24,138 | $27,578 | $10,493 | $13,600 |
| Empire Beauty School-RichmondRichmond, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 28 | $24,138 | $27,578 | $10,493 | $13,600 |
| Empire Beauty School-Virginia BeachVirginia Beach, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 54 | $23,065 | $25,413 | $12,619 | $13,600 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-RoanokeRoanoke, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 42 | $22,889 | $28,869 | $9,833 | $14,000 |
| Sylvain Melloul International Hair AcademyLynchburg, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 94 | $21,195 | $27,562 | $9,833 | $10,259 |
| Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette-ArlingtonArlington, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 194 | $18,998 | $21,936 | $6,333 | $21,000 |
| Another Level Barbering and Cosmetology SchoolPetersburg, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 28 | $16,531 | n/a | $12,299 | $13,600 |
| Columbia CollegeVienna, VA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $10,200 |
Cities with the most programs: Virginia Beach (3), Vienna (2), Richmond (2), Fredericksburg (1), Midlothian (1), Newport News (1), Roanoke (1), Lynchburg (1), Arlington (1), Petersburg (1).
What counts: cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology and makeup.
Frequently asked questions
How many cosmetology and barber schools are in Virginia?
14 schools in Virginia awarded cosmetology and barbering certificates or associate degrees recently, according to the U.S. Department of Education: 14 certificate and 0 associate programs.
Which cosmetology and barbering program in Virginia has the highest earnings?
The Esthetic Institute in Vienna, where certificate graduates earned a median of $44,457 one year after finishing (programs with at least 5 graduates).
What is the cheapest cosmetology and barbering school in Virginia?
By yearly tuition and fees, Lotus Professional College in Richmond charges $9,300 (2025-26). Program fees, tools and licensing exams can add to that, so ask the school.
How much do cosmetology and barbering graduates make in Virginia?
The typical certificate program in Virginia reported median earnings of $24,138 one year after graduation and $27,578 four years after, for graduates who received federal aid and were working.
More in Virginia: all trade schools · colleges
Other trades: Welding · HVAC · Electrician · Auto and diesel mechanic · Culinary arts · Medical assistant · LPN and CNA · Dental assisting and hygiene · Phlebotomy and medical lab · EMT, surgical tech and imaging · Medical billing and coding · Massage therapy · Paralegal
Cosmetology and barber schools nationwide
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.