LTI’s Uniontown Cosmetology Program Named Top Cosmetology School in 2026

(UNIONTOWN, P.A, August 21, 2026) Laurel Technical Institute (LTI) is proud to announce that its 12-month Cosmetology diploma program at the Uniontown, PA campus has been shortlisted as the Top Cosmetology School in 2026 by Ed Outlook, a premier national publication dedicated to career training benchmarks, vocational excellence, and curriculum innovation.

This prestigious recognition places Laurel Technical Institute among an elite group of beauty and wellness educational institutions across the country. Ed Outlook selected finalists based on a comprehensive set of rigorous criteria, including practical hands-on curriculum design, modernized student salon facilities, graduate licensing pass rates, and strong industry employer partnerships across Western Pennsylvania and the tri-state region.

Located in the heart of Fayette County, LTI’s Uniontown campus provides aspiring beauty professionals with an immersive educational experience designed to mirror modern, high-end salon environments. Under the direct supervision of licensed, seasoned industry master instructors, students hone their skills on real clients in the campus’s fully functional student salon.

The Cosmetology Program is a 12-month diploma program, meeting the required 1,250 hours of education and training in Pennsylvania before successful graduates can take their state licensure exam. The program offers a well rounded foundation across hair styling, advanced coloring, haircutting, nail care, skin care, and make up applications. The campus also offers an Esthetics / Nail Technician program, and 8-month diploma program, meeting the required 600 hours of education and training required to take the state board exams. This program combines specialized skincare techniques (facials, waxing, galvanic/high-frequency treatments, and makeup application) with comprehensive manicuring, pedicuring, and nail artistry. And lastly, also offered as an 8-month diploma program is the Master Teacher of Cosmetology program. This program concentrates on instructional methodology, classroom management, public speaking, and salon management theory. Under the direct supervision of licensed, seasoned industry master instructors, students hone their skills on real clients in the campus’s fully functional student salon.

"Being recognized by Ed Outlook as one of the top cosmetology schools for 2026 is a testament to the relentless dedication of our faculty and the extraordinary talent of our students," said Douglas Decker, Chief Operating Office Laurel Technical Institute. "Our mission in Uniontown goes beyond teaching technical mechanics; we pride the program on cultivating creative entrepreneurs who possess both the artistic skill and business minds required to build thriving, long-term careers in the evolving beauty industry."

In addition to mastering core technical proficiencies, LTI’s cosmetology curriculum places a strong emphasis on emerging trend forecasting, eco-friendly product knowledge, and client consultation mastery. This multi-faceted approach ensures that graduates enter the workforce not only as skilled cosmetologists, but as confident, business-savvy professionals prepared for salon ownership, spa management, platform artistry, or specialized beauty consulting.

The campus houses a comprehensive range of diploma options under its School of Spa & Cosmetology Arts sector. Designed to cater to specific career paths within the beauty industry, these programs combine classroom theory with hands-on client practice in the campus’s student clinic using professional-grade supplies.

Originally founded in 1985 as Laurel Business Institute (LBI), the Uniontown campus initially focused on business-oriented curricula such as accounting, secretarial studies, and data processing. Over four decades, as regional employer needs shifted, the institution continuously expanded its course offerings into hands-on sectors like computer technology, healthcare, skilled trades, and cosmetology. In 2025, to mark its 40th anniversary and align with the expansion of new locations, the school modernized its name from LBI to Laurel Technical Institute (LTI). This change unified the campus network in Pennsylvania under a single brand; a naming convention used by its sister institutions since 2009, that accurately reflects its evolution into a technical, hands-on career school.

Enrollment for upcoming program cohorts at the Uniontown campus is currently open. Prospective students interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology are invited to tour the award-winning facility, observe clinical sessions, meet with the instructional team, and explore financial aid and scholarship options available to qualifying applicants.