Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,461
88th percentile (60th in IL)
Median Debt
$7,917
20% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.37
Manageable
Sample Size
406
Adequate data

Analysis

G Skin & Beauty Institute stands out as a surprisingly strong performer in Illinois cosmetology education, ranking in the 88th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. With first-year earnings of $21,461 that grow to $25,373 by year four, graduates earn substantially more than both the national median ($17,113) and Illinois state median ($17,832). While it doesn't quite match the top Illinois programs that produce graduates earning $24,000+, it delivers solid results at a lower cost.

The debt picture makes this program particularly attractive. At $7,917, student debt is nearly $2,000 below both national and state medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37. This means graduates typically owe less than four months of their starting salaryβ€”a reasonable burden that allows them to begin building their careers without overwhelming financial pressure. The 18% earnings growth over four years also suggests graduates develop skills that command higher wages as they gain experience.

For parents considering cosmetology programs in Illinois, G Skin & Beauty Institute offers strong value: above-average earnings potential with below-average debt. It may not be the absolute highest-earning program in the state, but the combination of solid career prospects and modest debt makes it a financially sensible choice for students committed to the beauty industry.

Where G Skin & Beauty Institute Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

G Skin & Beauty InstituteOther cosmetology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How G Skin & Beauty Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

G Skin & Beauty Institute graduates earn $21k, placing them in the 88th percentile of all cosmetology certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (71 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
G Skin & Beauty Institute$21,461$25,373$7,9170.37
University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology$24,468$25,347$11,6670.48
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges$24,120β€”β€”β€”
Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Peru$22,967$16,517$9,6460.42
The Aveda Institute of Beauty and Wellness Chicago$22,351$24,872$9,8330.44
Cosmetology & Spa Academy$22,096$22,148$9,8330.45
National Median$17,113β€”$9,8620.58

Other Cosmetology Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology
Chicago
β€”$24,468$11,667
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
Olney
$4,390$24,120β€”
Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-Peru
PERU
β€”$22,967$9,646
The Aveda Institute of Beauty and Wellness Chicago
Chicago
β€”$22,351$9,833
Cosmetology & Spa Academy
Crystal Lake
β€”$22,096$9,833

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At G Skin & Beauty Institute, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 406 graduates with reported earnings and 476 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.