Cosmetology at The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology

The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology manages something rare in cosmetology training: graduates who start earning more than most programs nationwide and keep growing. First-year earnings of $19,397 place students in the 70th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Illinois programs—modest but solid positioning. More importantly, earnings jump 31% by year four to reach $25,382, suggesting graduates build viable careers rather than hitting an immediate ceiling.

The debt picture strengthens this program's case. At $7,917, graduates owe about $2,000 less than typical Illinois cosmetology students and nearly $2,000 less than the national median. That's 20% less debt than peers at other schools. Combined with the earnings trajectory, this creates manageable repayment: the debt represents just five months of first-year income, and by year four, it's down to about three months of earnings.

For a cosmetology certificate, this represents a practical investment—lower debt than alternatives with earnings that actually grow rather than stagnate. The program serves a meaningful number of Pell-eligible students (37%) while maintaining better-than-average outcomes. If your child is committed to cosmetology and willing to put in the years to build a clientele, this program delivers clearer value than most options in the field.