Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,461
88th percentile
60th percentile in Illinois
Median Debt
$7,917
20% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
G Skin & Beauty Institute$18,987$29,032+53%
G Skin & Beauty Institute$21,461$25,373+18%
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Chicago NE$13,970$26,495+90%
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture-Glendale Heights$13,970$26,495+90%
Professional's Choice Hair Design Academy$19,587$25,612+31%

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

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

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
G Skin & Beauty InstituteSchaumburgβ€”$21,461$25,373$7,9170.37
University of Aesthetics & CosmetologyChicagoβ€”$24,468$25,347$11,6670.48
Illinois Eastern Community CollegesOlney$4,390$24,120β€”β€”β€”
Educators of Beauty College of Cosmetology-PeruPERUβ€”$22,967$16,517$9,6460.42
The Aveda Institute of Beauty and Wellness ChicagoChicagoβ€”$22,351$24,872$9,8330.44
Cosmetology & Spa AcademyCrystal Lakeβ€”$22,096$22,148$9,8330.45
National Medianβ€”$17,113β€”$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

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.