2023 Best Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Region
Finding the Best Cosmetology School for You
Out of all the majors we analyze each year, cosmetology was ranked #229 in the country. In fact 107,895 degrees and certificates were handed out in 2020-2021.
There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.
To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Best Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. This report analyzed 157 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which ones offered the best programs for students.
View our full ranking methodology.
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2023 Best Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Region
Check out the cosmetology programs at these schools if you want to get the best education that money can buy.
Top 15% Best Cosmetology Schools
Our 2023 rankings named University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology the best school in the Great Lakes Region for cosmetology students. University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of Chicago.
On average, cosmetology graduates from University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology take out $10,542 in student loans while working on their degree.
Read full report on Cosmetology at University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology
Out of the 157 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s ranking, The Institute of Beauty and Wellness landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in the city of Milwaukee, The Institute of Beauty and Wellness is a private for-profit college with a small student population.
While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at The Institute of Beauty and Wellness accumulate an average of around $10,961 in student debt. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $75, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Universal Spa Training Academy. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in the suburb of Downers Grove, Universal Spa Training Academy is a private for-profit college with a small student population.
Cosmetology majors at Universal Spa Training Academy take out an average of $7,917 in student loans while working on their egree.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Indianapolis. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Aveda Fredric's Institute - Indianapolis is a small private for-profit school located in the small city of Indianapolis.
On average, cosmetology graduates from Aveda Fredric's Institute - Indianapolis take out $9,833 in student loans while working on their degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $111, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Aveda Institute - Madison is a great place for cosmetology students. Located in the city of Madison, Aveda Institute - Madison is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.
After completing their degree, cosmetology graduates from Aveda Institute - Madison carry an average student debtload of $10,961. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $75, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best cosmetology programs. Located in the small city of Onalaska, TSPA - Onalaska is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.
The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at TSPA - Onalaska take out is $12,000.
Full Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska Report
With a ranking of #7, The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students. Located in the large suburb of Downers Grove, The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology is a private for-profit college with a small student population.
After completing their degree, cosmetology graduates from The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology carry an average student debtload of $7,917.
Read full report on Cosmetology at The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology
Advanced College of Cosmetology landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best cosmetology programs. Located in the distant town of Waupun, Advanced College of Cosmetology is a private for-profit school with a small student population.
While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Advanced College of Cosmetology accumulate an average of around $12,916 in student debt.
With a ranking of #9, Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Cincinnati did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students. Located in the suburb of West Chester, Aveda Fredric's Institute - Cincinnati is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.
On average, cosmetology graduates from Aveda Fredric's Institute - Cincinnati take out $9,830 in student loans while working on their degree. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $117.
Full Cosmetology at Aveda Fredric’s Institute - Cincinnati Report
G Skin & Beauty Institute ranked #10 on this year’s Best Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in the city of West Dundee, G Skin and Beauty Institute is a private for-profit school with a small student population.
While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at G Skin and Beauty Institute accumulate an average of around $8,647 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $69.
Paul Mitchell the School Indianapolis landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best cosmetology programs. Paul Mitchell the School Indianapolis is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis.
The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Indianapolis take out is $9,833. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $101.
Read full report on Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Indianapolis
Aveda Institute - Chicago did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best schools for cosmetology students. It came in at #12 on the list. Aveda Institute - Chicago is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Chicago.
The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Aveda Institute - Chicago take out is $10,084. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $140.
Read full report on Cosmetology at Aveda Institute - Chicago
With a ranking of #13, The Salon Professional Academy - Appleton did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students. Located in the midsize suburb of Appleton, TSPA - Appleton is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.
The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at TSPA - Appleton take out is $12,000.
Paul Mitchell the School Columbus landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best cosmetology programs. Paul Mitchell the School Columbus is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Columbus.
On average, cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School Columbus take out $14,210 in student loans while working on their degree. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $97.
Paul Mitchell the School Grand Rapids ranked #15 on this year’s Best Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in the small city of Kentwood, Paul Mitchell the School Grand Rapids is a private for-profit college with a small student population.
The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Grand Rapids take out is $9,833.
Full Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Grand Rapids Report
Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute ranked #16 on this year’s Best Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Located in the small city of Skokie, Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.
On average, cosmetology graduates from Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute take out $7,917 in student loans while working on their degree.
Full Cosmetology at Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute Report
G Skin & Beauty Institute came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Naperville Skin Institute is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Oakbrook.
While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Naperville Skin Institute accumulate an average of around $7,917 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $91.
Cosmetology & Spa Academy did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best schools for cosmetology students. It came in at #18 on the list. Cosmetology & Spa Academy is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Crystal Lake.
The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Cosmetology & Spa Academy take out is $9,833.
With a ranking of #19, Paul Mitchell the School Milwaukee did quite well on this year’s best schools for cosmetology students. Paul Mitchell the School Milwaukee is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Pawaukee.
While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Paul Mitchell the School Milwaukee accumulate an average of around $14,389 in student debt.
Niles School of Cosmetology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best schools for cosmetology students. It came in at #20 on the list. Niles School of Cosmetology is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Niles.
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Libertyville landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best cosmetology programs. Located in the suburb of Libertyville, Tricoci LBV is a private for-profit school with a small student population.
While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Tricoci LBV accumulate an average of around $9,000 in student debt. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $95.
Aveda Institute - Columbus landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best cosmetology programs. Located in the large city of Columbus, Aveda Institute - Columbus is a private for-profit college with a small student population.
While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Aveda Institute - Columbus accumulate an average of around $9,833 in student debt. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $130.
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best cosmetology programs. Tricoci Elgin is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the midsize city of Elgin.
The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Tricoci Elgin take out is $9,000. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $95.
Read full report on Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin
Honorable Mentions
Here are some additional great schools for Cosmetology students in the Great Lakes Region that almost earned our Best Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Region award.
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN |
| 25 | Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire, WI |
| 26 | The Salon Professional Academy - Shorewood | Shorewood, IL |
| 27 | Salon Institute-Toledo Campus | Toledo, OH |
| 28 | Paul Mitchell the School Normal | Normal, IL |
| 29 | The Salon Professional Academy - Evansville | Evansville, IN |
| 30 | L’esprit Academy | Livonia, MI |
| 31 | Twin City Beauty College | Saint Joseph, MI |
Best Cosmetology Colleges by State
Explore the best cosmetology colleges for a specific state in the Great Lakes region.
| State | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Michigan | 6 |
| Ohio | 15 |
| Illinois | 19 |
| Indiana | 8 |
| Wisconsin | 6 |
More Cosmetology Rankings in the Great Lakes Region
Rankings in Majors Related to Cosmetology
One of 4 majors within the area of study, cosmetology has other similar majors worth exploring.
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Culinary Arts | 19,806 |
| Funeral & Mortuary Science | 2,354 |
| Casino Operations and Services | 192 |
| Other Personal & Culinary Services | 81 |
Notes and References
*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.
- Read more about our ranking methodology.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Credit for the banner image above goes to Tiffany Bumgardner.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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