The cost of cosmetology school in the U.S. in 2025 generally ranges between $15,000 and $20,000. On average, attending cosmetology school costs around $16,251. This amount includes tuition, student cosmetology kits, and state licensing fees. Here's a breakdown of typical costs:
- Average tuition: about $14,500, which is significantly lower than traditional college tuition.
- Cosmetology kits (tools and supplies needed for training): around $1,693 on average.
- Licensing fees after passing state board exams: approximately $58 on average.
The exact cost varies by state and school program length. For example, tuition and fees in California may total up to about $19,903 including kits and licensing, while in states like Alaska the total might be closer to $8,154. Overall, the price depends on your chosen program's location and length but you can expect to pay roughly between $15,000 and $20,000 to complete cosmetology school and become licensed.
