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Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois

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2023 Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois

Identifying Quality Schools at More Affordable Prices

45 Colleges
$8,104 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,593 Avg Salary

Finding the Best Cosmetology School for You

In 2020-2021, 19 degrees and certificates were awarded to cosmetology students who went to a Illinois college or university. This makes it the #240 most popular major in the state.

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois ranking. Our analysis looked at 45 schools in Illinois to see which programs offered the best value experiences for cosmetology students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

2023 Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois

The colleges and universities below are the best value schools for cosmetology majors pursuing a .

Top 25 Best Illinois Schools for Affordable Quality in Cosmetology

#1

Lake Land College

Mattoon, IL
$8,104 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Lake Land College to be the best value school for cosmetology students who want to pursue a degree in Illinois. Located in the distant town of Mattoon, Lake Land College is a public college with a small student population.

The average tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate at Lake Land College are $8,104 a year. On average, cosmetology graduates from Lake Land College take out $4,550 in student loans while working on their degree.

Read More…

$11,520 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. Harry S Truman College is a small public school located in the city of Chicago.

In-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Harry S Truman College are $11,520 per year. On average, cosmetology graduates from Harry S Truman College take out $22,237 in student loans while working on their degree.

Read full report on Cosmetology at City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College

Out of the 45 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Aveda Institute - Chicago landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in the city of Chicago, Aveda Institute - Chicago is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Aveda Institute - Chicago accumulate an average of around $10,084 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $140, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at Aveda Institute - Chicago Report

#3

G Skin & Beauty Institute

West Dundee, IL

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend G Skin & Beauty Institute. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. G Skin and Beauty Institute is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the city of West Dundee.

On average, cosmetology graduates from G Skin and Beauty Institute take out $8,647 in student loans while working on their degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $69, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Cosmetology at G Skin & Beauty Institute

The excellent programs at Hair Professionals Career College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best cosmetology schools in Illinois. Hair Professionals Career College is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Sycamore.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Hair Professionals Career College take out $12,557 in student loans while working on their degree.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Hair Professionals Career College

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the small suburb of Dekalb.

While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology accumulate an average of around $9,833 in student debt.

Full Cosmetology at Debutantes School of Cosmetology and Nail Technology Report

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means John Amico School of Hair Design is a great value for cosmetology students. John Amico School of Hair Design is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Oak Forest.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at John Amico School of Hair Design take out is $13,605. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $64.

Full Cosmetology at John Amico School of Hair Design Report

#3

Pivot Point Academy

Bloomingdale, IL

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Pivot Point Academy is a great value for cosmetology students. Pivot Point Academy is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Bloomingdale.

After completing their degree, cosmetology graduates from Pivot Point Academy carry an average student debtload of $9,833. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $118, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

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Out of the 45 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Professional’s Choice Hair Design Academy landed the # 3 spot on the list. Professional's Choice Hair Design Academy is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Joliet.

While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Professional's Choice Hair Design Academy accumulate an average of around $9,805 in student debt.

Read More…

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Bridgeview. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. Tricoci BRV is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Bridgeview.

After completing their degree, cosmetology graduates from Tricoci BRV carry an average student debtload of $12,171. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $78, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Bridgeview Report

#3

Trenz Beauty Academy

Calumet City, IL

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Trenz Beauty Academy. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. Located in the large suburb of Calumet City, Trenz Beauty Academy is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Trenz Beauty Academy accumulate an average of around $16,890 in student debt.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Trenz Beauty Academy

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NE is a great value for cosmetology students. Located in the large city of Chicago, Tricoci CNE is a private for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Tricoci CNE take out $13,250 in student loans while working on their degree. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $115.

Full Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NE Report

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Rockford is a great value for cosmetology students. Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Rockford is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Rockford.

On average, cosmetology graduates from Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Rockford take out $9,833 in student loans while working on their degree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $73, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Rockford Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. Located in the city of Elgin, Tricoci Elgin is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Tricoci Elgin accumulate an average of around $9,000 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $95.

Full Cosmetology at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Elgin Report

Out of the 45 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Innovations Design Academy landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in the distant town of Canton, Innovations Design Academy is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Innovations Design Academy take out is $9,500.

Read More…

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Paul Mitchell the School Bradley. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. Located in the small suburb of Bourbonnais, Paul Mitchell the School Bradley is a private for-profit school with a fairly small student population.

After completing their degree, cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School Bradley carry an average student debtload of $11,642. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $87.

Full Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School Bradley Report

#3

Capri Beauty College

Oak Forest, IL

Out of the 45 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Capri Beauty College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in the large suburb of Oak Forest, Capri Beauty College is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Capri Beauty College accumulate an average of around $9,833 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $92, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Capri Beauty College

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means The Salon Professional Academy - Shorewood is a great value for cosmetology students. TSPA - Shorewood is a small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Shorewood.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at TSPA - Shorewood take out is $11,000.

Read full report on Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy - Shorewood

#3

Universal Spa Training Academy

Downers Grove, IL

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Universal Spa Training Academy. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. Universal Spa Training Academy is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Downers Grove.

The average amount in student loans that cosmetology majors at Universal Spa Training Academy take out is $7,917.

Read More…

Out of the 45 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute landed the # 3 spot on the list. Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Skokie.

After completing their degree, cosmetology graduates from Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute carry an average student debtload of $7,917.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute

#3

Cosmetology & Spa Academy

Crystal Lake, IL

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Cosmetology & Spa Academy. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. Located in the suburb of Crystal Lake, Cosmetology & Spa Academy is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Cosmetology & Spa Academy accumulate an average of around $9,833 in student debt.

Read full report on Cosmetology at Cosmetology & Spa Academy

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills is a great value for cosmetology students. Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the suburb of Vernon Hills.

While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills accumulate an average of around $14,506 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $73, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Vernon Hills Report

#3

Cameo Beauty Academy

Oak Lawn, IL

Out of the 45 schools in Illinois that were part of this year’s ranking, Cameo Beauty Academy landed the # 3 spot on the list. Cameo Beauty Academy is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Oak Lawn.

After completing their degree, cosmetology graduates from Cameo Beauty Academy carry an average student debtload of $12,500.

Read More…

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Sterling. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. Located in the distant town of Sterling, Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Sterling is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

While working on their degree, cosmetology majors at Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Sterling accumulate an average of around $9,833 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $73, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Cosmetology at Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Sterling Report

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois list. University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the midsize city of Springfield.

Cosmetology majors at University of Spa & Cosmetology Arts take out an average of $5,500 in student loans while working on their egree. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $58.

Read More…

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great value schools for Cosmetology students in the state of Illinois seeking value that almost earned our Best Value Cosmetology Schools in Illinois award.

Rank College Location

Best Value Cosmetology Colleges in the Great Lakes Region

Explore all the Best Value Cosmetology Schools in the Great Lakes Area or other specific states within that region.

State Degrees Awarded
Michigan 6
Ohio 15
Indiana 8
Wisconsin 6

Cosmetology is one of 4 different types of programs to choose from.

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 45 schools only.

  • 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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