Barbering · District of Columbia
Barbering colleges in District of Columbia
CampusPin lists 15 U.S. colleges in District of Columbia that offer Barbering programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.
Barbering programs train you to cut and style hair, shave and shape beards and mustaches, fit hairpieces, and prepare for your state board barber licensing exam.
Schools in District of Columbia that offer Barbering
American University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$56,543
Acceptance
47%
Enrollment
12,795
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$18,382
Acceptance
61%
Enrollment
1,324
George Washington University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$64,990
Acceptance
44%
Enrollment
25,029
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$65,081
Acceptance
13%
Enrollment
19,886
Howard University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$33,344
Acceptance
35%
Enrollment
12,830
Institute of World Politics
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
65%
Enrollment
8,568
Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
75%
Enrollment
7,082
Saint Michael College of Allied Health
Washington, DC · Community College · Private
Tuition
$19,405
Acceptance
64%
Enrollment
123
Strayer University-District of Columbia
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$13,920
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
352
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$55,834
Acceptance
84%
Enrollment
5,095
The Chicago School at Washington DC
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
75%
Enrollment
6,395
Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$26,110
Acceptance
99%
Enrollment
1,417
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC · University · Public
Tuition
$6,152
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
3,638
University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$6,660
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
593
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
74%
Enrollment
6,747
Barbering programs in District of Columbia: by the numbers
A quick comparison of the 15 schools listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.
Schools listed
15
Public / private
1 / 14
Universities / 2-year
14 / 1
Cities represented
1
In-state tuition range
$6,152–$65,081
Median in-state tuition
$30,953
Lowest published in-state tuition
University of the District of Columbia
$6,152
Most selective
Georgetown University
13% acceptance
Largest by enrollment
George Washington University
25,029 students
Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.
What you'll study in a Barbering program
- Clipper cutting, tapering, and fading techniques for a range of hair types
- Scissor-over-comb and shear cutting, layering, and hairline outlining
- Straight-razor shaving with hot towels, lather, and proper blade handling
- Beard and mustache shaping, trimming, and detailing
- Hair and scalp anatomy, physiology, and analysis of hair and skin conditions
- Shampooing, conditioning, and basic chemical services such as color and texture
- Facial and scalp massage and basic skin and grooming treatments
- Hairpiece and toupee fitting, cleaning, and maintenance
- Sanitation, disinfection, tool care, client consultation, and shop business practices
Where a Barbering degree can lead
- Barber
- Hairstylist
- Men's grooming specialist
- Barbershop manager
- Booth or chair renter
- Cosmetologist
Typical pay: Early-career wages vary by employer, region, and experience (BLS, 2024 barbers median $38,960).
A barbering program teaches the technical craft of the barbershop: cutting and tapering hair with clippers, shears, and razors; blending fades and outlining hairlines; and shaving and shaping facial hair, beards, and mustaches, including the classic straight-razor shave with hot towels and lather. Coursework covers hair and scalp anatomy and physiology, shampooing and basic chemical applications such as color and texture services, facial and scalp massage and basic skin treatments, hairpiece and toupee fitting, and the sanitation and disinfection rules that govern razors, blades, and stations. Students also learn client consultation, equipment maintenance, and the business side of running a chair or a shop. Where Cosmetology covers a broad range of hair, nail, and skin services across salons and spas, barbering concentrates on cutting, men's grooming, and razor shaving in a barbershop setting.
Most students enter through a state-approved barber school and complete a set number of supervised clock hours on mannequins and live clients before sitting for the state board, which usually pairs a written theory exam with a practical demonstration scored on technique and sanitation. Barber licensing is regulated by each state, so required hours, exam format, renewal, and reciprocity between states vary, and some areas distinguish a barber license from a cosmetology license; verify the rules with your state board before enrolling. Many barbers work in barbershops or salons, rent a chair, or build their own clientele over time. A program is preparation for the exam and the chair, not a guarantee of work, since pay, hours, and demand depend on location, employer, specialty, and the book of clients you develop.
In federal data for the closely related occupation of barbers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median wage of $38,960 and projects employment to grow about 4.1% from 2024 to 2034; a postsecondary nondegree award is the typical entry-level education for that occupation. National figures are occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages or graduate outcomes.
Barbering in other states
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Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 15+ Barbering programs in District of Columbia by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.